Netherlands Beat Uzbekistan 2-1 As Gakpo Nets Two Penalties In World Cup Warm-Up

Cody Gakpo celebrated a 50th cap with two penalties as Netherlands edged Uzbekistan 2-1 at Icahn Stadium, closing World Cup preparations with late drama. Gakpo converted in the 32nd and 98th minutes, answering Igor Sergeev’s stoppage-time equaliser and easing pressure on Ronald Koeman before the Group G opener against Japan.

Netherlands created the clearer chances throughout, yet struggled to finish. Donyell Malen blasted over from close range before Cody Gakpo scored from the spot on 32 minutes, after Jakhongir Urozov tripped Crysencio Summerville. After half-time, Virgil van Dijk headed narrowly wide and Brian Brobbey saw a close-range finish disallowed for a marginal offside decision.

This warm-up followed a 2-1 defeat against Algeria, only the fourth time Netherlands had lost their final home match before a major tournament. Ronald Koeman had framed the Uzbekistan fixture as a final rehearsal for a likely starting line-up, yet once again Netherlands wasted several promising situations in the final third despite sustained pressure.

Koeman had already expressed dissatisfaction with Malen’s display against Algeria, and the Roma forward again found difficulties here. Malen spurned two good openings, including that early miss over the bar, and offered limited threat in transition. Koeman replaced Malen with Brobbey on 65 minutes, and Brobbey’s lively cameo brought the disallowed goal.

The closing minutes were chaotic. Guus Til was dismissed three minutes before stoppage time for denying a clear chance, handling outside the penalty area after also brushing the ball with a hand inside the box. Following a VAR review, referee Alyssa Pennington confirmed the red card and awarded Uzbekistan a free-kick instead of a penalty.

Uzbekistan capitalised on the numerical advantage when a loose ball broke kindly for Igor Sergeev, who stabbed home in the 92nd minute. However, Netherlands forced one final twist from a corner. Jan Paul van Hecke was hauled back by Abdukodir Khusanov, and Gakpo again beat Utkir Yusupov from the spot on 98 minutes to secure victory.

Across the match, underlying numbers highlighted Netherlands’ dominance, even if the scoreline stayed narrow. Koeman’s side produced 15 shots and an expected goals figure of 4.62, helped by the two penalties. Uzbekistan managed eight attempts, for an xG of 0.99, and spent long spells defending deep inside their own half.

Netherlands World Cup preparations and injury updates

Koeman’s concerns are not restricted to finishing. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen left during the second half with an apparent hip problem, following a collision with Abdukodir Khusanov. The medical assessment will be watched closely, although Mark Flekken offers experienced cover should Verbruggen not recover in time for the Japan match.

For Gakpo, this contest brought a landmark night, with two composed penalties on a 50th appearance under pressure. Netherlands gained a morale-boosting result after the Algeria setback, yet issues in decision-making, discipline and fitness remain. Koeman’s staff now have limited time to refine details before facing Japan in Group G.