Uzbekistan fall to late defeat against the Netherlands in World Cup warm-up

The match, played at Icahn Stadium in New York City, appeared destined for a draw after a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Igor Sergeev. However, a late penalty allowed the Dutch side to secure victory in the closing moments.

The Netherlands controlled much of the first half and took the lead in the 32nd minute. Defender Jakhongir Urozov was penalized for a foul inside the box, and Cody Gakpo converted the resulting penalty to make it 1-0.

Uzbekistan responded by increasing the pressure after conceding, but the score remained unchanged until the break.

The second half was more evenly contested, with both teams creating opportunities. The match took a turn in the 86th minute when a Netherlands player was sent off for a handball offence. Otabek Shukurov, however, was unable to capitalize on the resulting free-kick.

Playing against 10 men, Uzbekistan pushed forward in search of an equalizer and finally found one in added time. Sergeev struck in the 90+1st minute to level the score at 1-1 and seemingly rescue a draw for the White Wolves.

The drama was not over, though. Deep into stoppage time, the Netherlands were awarded another penalty. Gakpo converted from the spot in the 90+7th minute, completing his brace and sealing a 2-1 victory for the team ranked eighth in the latest FIFA standings.

The result leaves Uzbekistan, currently ranked 51st in the FIFA rankings, without a win in its final match before the World Cup.