PREVIEW: Japan prepare for tasty clash World Cup clash with the NetherlandsTom Coopey, World Cup correspondentJapan kick off their World Cup campaign against Group F opponents the Netherlands when the sides meet for the first time in over a decade on Friday evening in Dallas.Its dubbed to be one of the most intriguing group stages clashes at the 2026 World Cup, one that hasnt been seen since 2013, with a red hot Japan facing off against one of Europes best sides in Ronald Koemans side.The Dutch head into the tournament off the back of a successful European Championship campaign, reaching the semi-finals only to be knocked out by England, yet Japan could take advantage of some flaws that arose before the tournament.Draws with Poland and Ecuador and losing to Algeria in their pre-World Cup friendlies matches has exposed their vulnerability to get hit on the break and inefficiency against teams who are notoriously tough to break down.This is the epitome of what Hajime Moriyasus side have been all about in the build up to a seventh consecutive appearance, with impressive victories in the build up to this game over Brazil and Ghana.Japan also became the first ever Asian side to beat England, winning 1-0 at Wembley in March when Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma rounded off a ruthless counter attack to make history for the Blue Warriors.But Japan have never beaten the Netherlands, losing a friendly match in the lead up to their 1-0 group stage defeat to the Dutch at the 2010 World Cup courtesy of a 53rd-minute striker from retired great Wesley Sneijder.It is just the form they need to carry into the tournament if they are to go through to the knockouts and potentially beyond the round of 16 for the first time in their history as a World Cup nation.They suffered some devastating news this week, however, with Liverpool midfielder Watura Endo announcing that he wouldnt be able to feature in the tournament after a battle with a foot injury that forced his international retirement.Captain Ko Itakura stressed how important it is to remain united for tournament football, saying: Getting united is the most important thing in these short-term competitions.Karou Mitoma and Takumi Minamino are also unavailable for the match through injury, yet Japan could be boosted by the potential return of former Arsenal full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu to the side.On the injury front for the Netherlands, Bart Verbruggen is available after doubts over a hip injury whilst Xavi Simons and Jurrien Timber are big absentees for the Dutch after not making the finals squad through their respective injuries.Despite that, Koeman is confident heading into the tournament and believes his side have the tools at hand to put together a memorable run.The 63-year-old said: We want to go far in the tournament. We have a strong team and we know what we need to improve to have a real chance.Japan havent conceded in their last five matches, whereas Netherlands netted 27 times in their eight qualifying games. So, it could well prove to be a clash of footballing styles thats already been seen several times so far.You would expect Netherlands to have a healthy amount of ball possession, yet Japan have been renowned for their efficiency on the ball and ability to spring fast breakaways.For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.

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Haiti captain Johnny Placide insists his side were denied two clear penalties in their 1-0 World Cup defeat to Scotland.

Two men have been charged with receiving stolen property following the disappearance of England team equipment valued at approximately 13,530 during its journey from Florida to Kansas City before the World Cup.Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson brought charges against Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, with each defendant facing a single count carrying a potential prison sentence of up to seven years.The pair were responsible for transporting the national team's gear from their warm-weather training base in West Palm Beach to Kansas City, where a detective subsequently recovered the items.Court documents revealed the specific items allegedly discovered included four pairs of boots priced at 250 each and five pairs of shoes priced at 170 each. TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SaySigned national team shirts were also among the recovered goods, alongside a World Cup ball valued at 160 and goalkeeper gloves costing 120.Two stuffed lions and a Lego set depicting a Nike Air shoe featured among the variety of possessions taken during what Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas described as a "heist in transit of English national team equipment".The FA confirmed the majority of the training gear had been retrieved before England's opening session at their base.Goalkeeper Dean Henderson responded with a smile when questioned about whether his equipment had arrived safely.LATEST SPORTS NEWSSomali referee who was denied entry into US for World Cup to receive salary in fullWorld Cup 2026 day four: Huge wins for Scotland and Australia, Germany and Netherlands playing laterEngland camp forced to shelter indoors after 'deadly' tornado warning issued in Kansas CityHe said: "Yeah, thankfully. I think they got stolen, but we got them back, so it's all good."Experienced defender Dan Burn joked he "wouldn't be able to move very much" if his boots had not turned up.The Newcastle player said: "We've not made a big deal out of it. I've got everything I need, so I'm quite happy."We know that stuff has been left to the police, and as a group we've not really spoken about that at all."Asked if the FA had spoken to the players, Burn added: "To be honest, it's not really been spoken about, so I think that shows for us that they're not too worried about it as well."We're here to train. The first day out here, so it's not disrupted our preparation."Kansas City mayor Lucas said: "I am grateful for the quick work of the Kansas City Police Department and the Prosecutor's Office in resolving an investigation across several states, helping crime victims recover goods stolen in transit, and ensuring the accused will face prosecution."Kansas City's public safety leadership will continue to ensure all are safe and offenders will be held accountable swiftly for any misconduct."Jackson County prosecutor Johnson added: "Jackson County will not tolerate any criminal activity that targets World Cup visitors, including the international teams that have travelled here to compete."We thank the Kansas City Police Department and our on-call attorneys for their quick work investigating this incident and filing charges immediately. Our office is committed to holding these individuals accountable."England kick off their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Croatia.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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