After the 2-2 draw with Japan in the first FIFA World Cup group stage match, Netherlands midfielder Gravenberch was interviewed by the Dutch media on site. Below is a transcript of his remarks.
One point. Starting the FIFA World Cup with this result is not too bad, but do you feel the same way now?
Ultimately, yes, the result is what matters most. We leave the match with one point. It is a pity not to take all three points, but we did earn one, and now we go to Sweden.
Yes, because you must have had that feeling at some point: we had won the game, right?
Yes, of course. But then, as the game enters the second half, they start to push, and it becomes very difficult. They kept pressing, kept pushing, and in the end, they did score.
What is the hardest thing to deal with about Japan's style of play?
They simply run so much. Their movement is very exaggerated. We tried to press high from goal kicks, and if we couldn't, we had to drop back and try to block the space. But they run so much and interchange positions, which can sometimes be very difficult to handle.
Since you are the kind of player who is good at receiving the ball in central areas and finding space between the lines, is it harder for you to find space in such situations?
Yes, because they also dropped very deep, especially in the first half. That made it difficult to find space between the two defensive lines. We could only play around them, trying to find opportunities. We did create some chances and performed better in the second half, when there was also much more space than before.
For example, van Hecke found me between the lines, which allowed us to organize our attack more easily.
After going 2-1 up, did you play a bit too conservatively?
Yes, of course you try to hold onto the result. But that is not always the best approach. It is hard to say, of course. Japan is a strong team. When we pushed up, the space also became larger. But in the end, they scored a very good goal. Now we only have this one point, and we must focus on Sweden.
When you were substituted, a defender came on, and your expression looked slightly...
Oh, yes, I actually didn’t notice at the time, to be honest. It might just be like that.
But you also delivered two excellent assists. Which one do you prefer?
I think it was the cross, because I don’t usually cross much. And that cross was really good, Van Dijk handled the ball well, and the landing spot was just right.
However, the assist for the 2-1 goal was indeed very "Gravenberch"-esque.
You’re right. As I said before, van Hecke found me between the lines, and then I made that good run, and Summerville finished the ball very well.
Good for him too, yes, indeed — he played well.
Now turning attention to Sweden?
Yes, we’re preparing for Sweden. We must give it our all again.