Why Keito Nakamura could be Japan's ace in the pac...

MONTERREY, Mexico -- When Japan produced a spirited showing last week to twice rally and force a last-gasp 2-2 draw with Netherlands in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, it was Keito Nakamura who scored the first of their two equalizers.

In a parallel universe, he might not have been on the pitch.

Plenty has spoken about the injuries that have hit Japan ahead of the tournament. Star duo Takumi Minamino and Kaoru Mitoma were not even included in the squad before captain Wataru Endo was an 11th-hour withdrawal -- robbing the Samurai Blue of three guaranteed starters who played pivotal roles…