Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo was the match-winner as the Netherlands secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their final World Cup warm-up match.
The Dutch left it incredibly late, with Gakpo scoring a 98th-minute penalty to snatch victory after Uzbekistan had looked set to earn a hard-fought draw.
Gakpo Delivers Again
Making his 50th appearance for the Netherlands, Gakpo once again demonstrated his importance to Ronald Koeman’s side.
The Liverpool attacker opened the scoring in the first half from the penalty spot after Crysencio Summerville was brought down inside the area. Gakpo made no mistake, calmly converting to give the Dutch a deserved lead.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Netherlands struggled to put the game beyond Uzbekistan.
Late Drama in New York
The match appeared to be heading towards a routine Dutch victory before chaos unfolded late on.
Uzbekistan equalised deep into stoppage time through Igor Sergeev, taking advantage of defensive uncertainty to stun the Netherlands and seemingly secure a draw.
However, there was one final twist.
Just minutes later, the Netherlands were awarded a second penalty after Jan-Paul van Hecke was fouled during a corner.
Once again, Gakpo stepped forward.
Once again, he delivered.
The Liverpool forward calmly converted in the 98th minute to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory for Oranje.
Liverpool Players Involved
Several Liverpool players featured for the Netherlands, including captain Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch alongside Gakpo.
While the Dutch performance itself was far from convincing, Gakpo’s display will certainly please Liverpool supporters.
The forward finished the evening with two goals, showed his usual work rate and once again proved capable of delivering in important moments.
Perfect Timing Before the World Cup
With the World Cup now just days away, Gakpo appears to be finding form at exactly the right moment.
The Netherlands may have concerns about their overall performance after an unconvincing display, but they can take comfort from the fact that one of their key attacking players is arriving at the tournament full of confidence.
For Liverpool supporters, it was another reminder of the quality Gakpo possesses when given the opportunity to lead the line for club and country.
If he can carry this momentum into the World Cup, the Reds will be watching closely.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Related