Gakpo’s Penalties Rescue the Netherlands in Nail-Biter Against Uzbekistan

Key Takeaways:

• Cody Gakpo netted two penalties, including one in the 98th minute, as the Netherlands defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 in their final pre-World Cup friendly last night in New York
• The Dutch struggled in attack, missing several clear opportunities before conceding an injury-time equaliser to Igor Sergeev
• The Netherlands will open their FIFA World Cup campaign against Japan on Saturday, June 14th, at 22:00 CEST

Match Overview

The Netherlands wrapped up their New York pre-World Cup training camp with a tense 2-1 victory over Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan at Manhattan, thanks to two spot-kicks converted by Cody Gakpo. Despite the result, Ronald Koeman’s side looked far from convincing, with Uzbekistan pressing hard for an upset before Gakpo’s late intervention.

Team Selection and Early Missed Chances

Koeman experimented with the right wing, handing Crysencio Summerville his second consecutive start, this time backed by Denzel Dumfries, who had returned from a one-match ban. Summerville fashioned the game’s first major chance but faltered in front of goal, miscontrolling with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Donyell Malen’s woes in front of goal continued from the previous friendly loss against Algeria. After a pinpoint pass from Gakpo left him with an almost open net, the forward somehow missed the target entirely. Tijjani Reijnders soon joined the roll call of squandered Dutch opportunities, heading well over the bar from a prime position inside the area.

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— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 8, 2026

First-Half Drama: Penalty Breakthrough

Summerville drew a hard challenge from Jakhongir Uruzov in the 30th minute, winning a penalty. Gakpo converted, placing the ball low to the left, just evading the grasp of Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to give the Netherlands the lead.

Before the interval, the Dutch remained profligate as Malen failed to make the most of a swift counterattack, and saw appeals for a penalty waved away despite visible contact in the box. Uzbekistan offered little attacking threat in the first period.

Second Half: Tension Mounts and a Dramatic Finale

After a scare when Bart Verbruggen required treatment, the Netherlands created their first second-half opportunity through a Malen setup for Gakpo, who fired over the bar. The contest became more fragmented after the break, with the Dutch seeming increasingly disjointed.

Brian Brobbey thought he had extended the lead, only to see his effort chalked off for offside shortly after replacing Malen.

Late Drama and Decisive Moments

A frantic conclusion saw the Netherlands reduced to ten men after substitute Guus Til was dismissed for handling the ball twice in a defensive scramble. Although Uzbekistan were denied a penalty, they failed to capitalise on the subsequent free-kick, which soared high over the bar.

With time running out, a defensive lapse allowed Igor Sergeev to stab home Uzbekistan’s equaliser in injury time, sparking alarm in the Dutch ranks. The Netherlands nearly restored their lead, but first Tijjani Reijnders’ close-range effort was cleared off the line, and Summerville was denied at the near post by Yusupov.

In the dying seconds, Jan-Paul van Hecke was wrestled to the ground during a corner, resulting in a crucial penalty. Gakpo coolly dispatched his second spot-kick, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Oranje in the 98th minute.

Looking Ahead

The Netherlands will now turn their attention to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where they are scheduled to face Japan in their Group F opener on Saturday, June 14th.