Daichi Kamada credited former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner for an international renaissance that has seen the midfielder fulfill a lifelong ambition and become a vital cog in a Japan side determined to make a major impact at the World Cup.

The 29-year-old was awarded his side’s 88th-minute equalizer in ?its electric 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Sunday when he inadvertently redirected Koki Ogawa’s header past ?Bart Verbruggen ?to secure a late point for his country.

“That was just lucky but for ?me it’s a dream come true,” Kamada said of his late intervention. “A goal is a goal and I could help the team. At the last World Cup I didn’t perform well, so I’m really happy to help ?the team.”