The Netherlands completed their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan at Icahn Stadium in New York on Monday, as Cody Gakpo scored two penalties, including a 98th-minute winner. Ronald Koeman’s side finished the match with 10 men after Guus Til saw red late on.
The Dutch controlled large spells of the game and created the better chances from the start. Crysencio Summerville and Donyell Malen threatened early before the breakthrough arrived just after the half-hour mark.
The referee pointed to the spot when Uzbekistan defender Jakhongir Urozov fouled Summerville inside the area. Gakpo stepped up and converted the penalty to give the Netherlands a deserved lead.
Koeman’s side failed to turn their dominance into further goals. Uzbekistan stayed in the match and received a boost when substitute Guus Til collected a red card late in the second half.
The numerical advantage helped Uzbekistan push forward in stoppage time. Igor Sergeev punished the Dutch defence in the 92nd minute and brought the scores level with one of Uzbekistan’s few clear openings of the night.
The game looked set to end in a draw, but the Netherlands won another penalty deep into added time after a foul from an Uzbek defender during a corner. Gakpo converted again in the 98th minute to hand Koeman’s side victory with the final kick of the match.
The result gives the Netherlands a winning finish to their warm-up programme before their World Cup opener against Japan. Uzbekistan, who will make their World Cup debut, now turn their focus to their opening group match against Colombia.
