NEW YORK, 9 June (H.S.):

The Netherlands secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a FIFA World Cup warm-up match, with Cody Gakpo scoring both goals from the penalty spot, including the decisive strike with the final kick of the game. The match was played behind closed doors as part of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

The Dutch side started brightly and took control of the contest from the outset. Their early pressure paid off in the 31st minute when Crysencio Summerville was brought down inside the penalty area, earning the Netherlands a spot-kick. Gakpo stepped up and calmly converted to give his side a 1-0 lead.

The Netherlands dominated possession and dictated play throughout the first half, appearing firmly in control heading into the interval.

However, the momentum shifted after the break as the Dutch side lost its rhythm and allowed Uzbekistan back into the match. Capitalising on the Netherlands’ increasingly sluggish performance, the Central Asian side applied sustained pressure in search of an equaliser.

The match was also marked by controversy. Two strong penalty appeals from the Netherlands were waved away by the referee, while substitute Guus Til was shown a red card in the 89th minute for handball, leaving his side to finish the game with ten men.

Uzbekistan finally found its breakthrough in the third minute of added time. Igor Sergeev completed a well-worked attacking move with a composed finish, levelling the score at 1-1 and seemingly rescuing a draw for his team.

Just as the match appeared destined to end in a stalemate, another dramatic twist unfolded. During a late corner, Jean-Paul van Hecke was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a second penalty to the Netherlands.

Gakpo once again assumed responsibility from the spot and converted with the final kick of the match, sealing a thrilling 2-1 victory and completing his brace.

The Netherlands will now travel to its World Cup base camp in Kansas City on Tuesday before opening its Group F campaign against Japan in Dallas on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan, appearing at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in its history, has been placed in Group K and will begin its campaign against Colombia in Mexico City on June 18.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar