Cody Gakpo nets double as Netherlands beat Uzbekistan amidst injury woes
Cody Gakpo scored twice in a 2-1 friendly win, but the Netherlands suffered a blow with Jurrien Timber ruled out and Bart Verbruggen picking up an injury.
The Netherlands concluded their World Cup warm-up preparations with a narrow 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Cody Gakpo proved clinical from the spot, converting two penalties to secure the result in a chaotic behind-closed-doors fixture.
Ronald Koeman utilized the match to test tactical setups. Gakpo opened the scoring after Crysencio Summerville won a penalty. Following a late red card for substitute Guus Til, Igor Sergeev equalized for Uzbekistan. However, in the 98th minute, Jan Paul van Hecke won another spot-kick which Gakpo calmly converted to clinch the win.
The victory was overshadowed by significant medical news. Before kick-off, the Dutch FA confirmed that defender Jurrien Timber has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a groin injury. The defensive crisis deepened during the match when first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was forced off following an awkward landing during an aerial challenge.
The squad will now head to their base camp to address these mounting defensive and fitness concerns. Koeman must ensure his side finds more consistency before their opening Group F fixture against Japan on Saturday, June 14, followed by matches against Sweden and Tunisia.