Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke injured in World Cup debut

Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke made his World Cup debut in the Group F match against Japan in Dallas. Early in the game he was struck in the face by a Japanese player's shoe, leaving him with a bruised eye, swelling and temporary vision loss. Van Hecke said, “I went with my head to the ball, so I could expect something,” and later explained that his sight was affected and that swelling would likely increase over the next few days.

He is playing after a late‑stage injury to Jurrien Timber opened a spot in the defence. Van Hecke also spoke of the personal significance of the tournament, noting that his uncle Jan Poortvliet played in the 1978 World Cup final and saying, “There’s an enormous feeling of pride… it’s my dream, and also his.” The Netherlands drew 2‑2 with Japan and will face Sweden and Tunisia later in the group stage.

Van Hecke remains optimistic about a quick recovery and stressed that such injuries are part of the game.