Netherlands striker Cody Gakpo secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a World Cup warm-up friendly held behind closed doors at Icahn Stadium. Gakpo converted two penalties, the second coming in the final moments of the game, to clinch the win for the Dutch side.
The opening goal arrived in the 31st minute when Gakpo successfully converted a penalty awarded following a dangerous challenge on Crysencio Summerville by Uzbek defender Jakhongir Urozov. This early breakthrough appeared to set the stage for a comfortable Dutch victory, given their initial dominance.
However, the match took a different turn as the second half unfolded. The Dutch side displayed a lackluster performance, which allowed Uzbekistan to capitalize during one of their infrequent offensive moves. In stoppage time, striker Igor Sergeev found the net in the third minute of added time, leveling the score and threatening to deny the Netherlands the win.
Controversial Decisions Mar the Match
The encounter was marred by questionable refereeing decisions that influenced the flow and outcome of the game. Apart from the two penalties awarded to the Dutch, the Netherlands had two additional penalty appeals denied despite appearing to have legitimate claims. Furthermore, substitute Guus Til was shown a red card in the 89th minute for an apparently innocuous handball outside the penalty area, a decision that raised eyebrows.
As the game seemed destined for a draw, a late incident at a corner saw Dutch player Jean-Paul van Hecke brought down by Uzbek defenders, prompting the referee to award a decisive second penalty to the Netherlands. Gakpo stepped up once again and converted it with the last kick of the match, sealing a hard-fought and somewhat unconvincing victory for his team.
Following this friendly, the Dutch squad will travel to their base in Kansas City on Tuesday, preparing for their opening Group F match against Japan in Dallas, scheduled for Sunday.