"The Netherlands were very strong, we were trailing, a very difficult opponent, the players were united as one, tenacious, they fought to the end and did not cease to persevere," Moriyasu said.

"Of course, it was tough for them to fight back ... they managed to be tenacious and at the same time be patient and keep calm and find and seize the opportunities. So I'm very proud that they could keep their own pace."

Having weathered the Dutch storm in the first half, Japan conceded to Virgil van Dijk's finely placed 51st minute header. The four-time Asian champions were quick to respond with Keito Nakamura drawing them level six minutes later.

Crysencio Summerville's delicious curled finish into the bottom corner just after the hour-mark restored the European side's advantage but Japan levelled at the death with Koki Ogawa's header deflecting off Daichi Kamada.

"Of course, we're not completely satisfied with just the one point for the draw.

"We were aiming to get three points, not one point. So in that point of view, of course it was a little bit disappointing."

Up next for Japan are Tunisia on Saturday with the Netherlands to play Sweden.

Photos: FIFA via Getty Images