Guus Til cleared for Netherlands' Japan match despite red card

Guus Til will play for the Netherlands against Japan on Sunday after avoiding suspension for the World Cup match. The midfielder received a red card in Tuesday’s 1-2 loss to Uzbekistan but the KNVB confirmed the card carries no World Cup ban. The KNVB stated only serious foul play—such as a punching motion—warrants an exhibition red card carrying tournament consequences. Til was sent off for handball in the first of two friendlies against Uzbekistan. Portugal’s Rafael Leão also received a red card in a friendly but it remains unclear whether FIFA will treat it the same way. Leão’s dismissal came after grabbing a Chilean opponent by the throat. The FIFA disciplinary committee will now assess whether Leão’s red card qualifies as serious foul play under tournament rules. Both incidents occurred in friendlies played back-to-back, with the Netherlands’ first team facing Uzbekistan’s starters before reserves completed the doubleheader.