Akpeyi hails Japan keeper Suzuki after Dutch draw

June 16, 2026 5:24 am

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has singled out Japan’s Zion Suzuki for special praise after the 23-year-old produced a commanding display to help the Asian side claim a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F opener at the Dallas Stadium, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Speaking during his halftime analysis on SuperSport, Akpeyi said Suzuki’s performance vindicated the Japan coaching staff’s decision to pick him ahead of more experienced options in the squad.

“I want to give credit to the goalkeeper. This tells why he was chosen in goal ahead of the older ones on the bench because he has been able to concentrate on the game,” Akpeyi said.

“So far, he has been alert and waiting to see the loose balls with strong hands as well. It tells that he has been able to keep his team in the game.”

Born to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother, Suzuki, who made four important saves throughout the match, was indeed central to Japan’s resilience.

His sharp stop to deny Donyell Malen within minutes of kick-off set the tone, and he remained composed and well-positioned throughout a physically demanding encounter against a Dutch attack with considerable quality.

Japan twice came from behind to earn their point. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring with a towering header before Keito Nakamura levelled with a powerful effort into the bottom corner. Crysencio Summerville restored the Netherlands’ lead with a whipped finish, only for Daichi Kamada to snatch a dramatic equaliser in the 89th minute.

Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen endured a difficult evening at the other end, earning a player rating of just three out of ten from Sports Mole after palming a tame effort into his own top corner for Japan’s late equaliser — a moment that stood in sharp contrast to Suzuki’s composed performance down the other end.

Ryan Gravenberch was the pick of the Dutch outfield players, earning an eight out of ten for an all-round midfield display that included the assists for both Netherlands goals.

The result left Group F finely poised, with Japan second behind leaders Sweden after the opening round of fixtures.

Peter Akinbo

Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories

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