Gakpo's Last-Minute Brilliance Seals Dutch Victory in Tense Friendly

Cody Gakpo's two penalties, including a last-minute goal, secured a 2-1 victory for the Netherlands over Uzbekistan in a World Cup warm-up match. Despite dominance, the Dutch faced poor refereeing as key decisions were missed. The Netherlands now heads to Kansas City before facing Japan in Dallas.

Netherlands' striker Cody Gakpo displayed remarkable composure by converting two crucial penalties, including a decisive last-second goal, to secure a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in a tense World Cup warm-up match played behind closed doors at Icahn Stadium.

The Dutch initially took the lead through Gakpo's 31st-minute penalty following a dangerous tackle on teammate Crysencio Summerville. However, Uzbekistan equalized in stoppage time through a rare attack by Igor Sergeev. Despite holding dominance, the Netherlands faced questionable refereeing, with legitimate penalty appeals denied and a red card issued to Guus Til.

With a last-minute penalty awarded to the Dutch after Jean-Paul van Hecke was fouled, Gakpo confidently sealed the win. The Netherlands now moves to Kansas City, focusing on their Group F opener against Japan in Dallas, while debutants Uzbekistan prepare for their Group K match against Colombia in Mexico City.