Rafael van der Vaart Apologises for Remark on Japan Players After 2-2 Draw

Rafael van der Vaart apologised after saying Japan's players "all look alike" during the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan. The former midfielder made the comment while serving as a pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS TV after Micky van de Ven failed to track Koki Ogawa's run. " He later issued a statement saying the remark was never intended to offend.

"It was never my intention to offend, hurt, or discriminate against anyone," Van der Vaart stated. " "I understand that some people may have found my words offensive or hurtful. I sincerely regret that," he added.

"If my comment has caused pain or upset, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies. " Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation criticised the comments. " "It's hugely disappointing to hear former players peddling racist slurs about Japan's team and then double down by trying to defend the comments as a joke," the groups said.

The Netherlands took the lead through Virgil van Dijk before Crysencio Summerville added a second. Japan equalised twice, with the second goal coming from a late deflection off Daichi Kamada. " He noted defensive problems on the flanks and said both goals resulted from poor defending.

"Of course we would have preferred to win the first game. We expected to," Koeman said. He added that the Netherlands could have scored a third goal after Japan began defending following their second equaliser.