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The Netherlands narrowly avoided a serious setback in their final friendly before the World Cup, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in Manhattan. Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo proved decisive, converting a stoppage-time penalty to rescue Ronald Koeman’s side, though the victory was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns within the squad.

Oranje endure chaotic final rehearsal

Koeman used the closed-door match at Randall’s Island to test tactical combinations before the tournament’s opening fixture. The experimental Dutch lineup dominated early on and took the lead when West Ham midfielder Crysencio Summerville was fouled inside the box, allowing Gakpo to calmly convert from the spot for his first goal of the night.

However, substitute Guus Til’s late red card left the team vulnerable defensively, and Uzbekistan capitalised through Igor Sergeev’s injury-time equaliser. Ranked 50th in FIFA’s world standings, the visitors looked set to snatch a draw until Jan Paul van Hecke earned another penalty deep into stoppage time, which Gakpo confidently dispatched to secure the win.

Defensive injury issues worsen before tournament

Post-match discussions focused less on the narrow victory and more on the mounting injury list. Just before kick-off, the Dutch camp confirmed that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber would miss the entire World Cup due to a groin injury, a major blow to Koeman’s defensive plans.

Speaking after the match, Koeman acknowledged the setback but reiterated his confidence in the starting lineup expected to feature in Sunday’s World Cup opener against Japan. Timber’s confirmed absence means the versatile defender will miss yet another major international tournament.

Goalkeeping concerns add to selection troubles

Adding to the Dutch worries, first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had to be substituted in the second half after landing awkwardly during an aerial challenge. Brighton’s shot-stopper was replaced by Mark Flekken as a precautionary measure, leaving the coaching staff anxious about his fitness ahead of the tournament.

Further up the pitch, the Netherlands’ finishing also caused concern. Forward Donyell Malen failed to convert several clear chances set up by Gakpo, while substitute Brian Brobbey had a goal ruled out for offside. As a result, the team’s dependence on Gakpo’s set-piece accuracy remains crucial.

Group F awaits with tactical challenges ahead

The Dutch squad will now head straight to their World Cup base camp to address the defensive and medical issues before competitive action begins. Koeman’s men must quickly regain their sharpness as they prepare for a demanding group stage campaign in North America.

The Netherlands will begin their Group F schedule at the World Cup against Japan on Saturday, June 14, followed by subsequent fixtures against Sweden and Tunisia.