Dutch beat Uzbekistan but lose keeper before World Cup
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Add as a favourite source on Google Add DutchNews as a favourite source on GoogleThe Netherlands needed two penalties to beat Uzbekistan 2-1 in its final World Cup warm-up match on Monday, and lost goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to injury six days before its opening game.
Verbruggen, who plays for Brighton, landed awkwardly in the second half and was replaced by Mark Flekken. The severity of the injury was not immediately clear.
Before kick-off, Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber was ruled out of the Dutch tournament squad with a groin injury, and Lutsharel Geertruida was called up in his place.
Cody Gakpo, of Liverpool FC, scored a penalty in the first half. Uzbekistan, ranked 50th by Fifa and set to appear at its first World Cup, managed to score in stoppage time, before Gakpo converted a second penalty in the eighth added minute to win the game.
The match was played behind closed doors on Randall’s Island in New York and followed a 0-1 home defeat by Algeria days earlier.
The Netherlands will open the World Cup against Japan in Arlington, Texas, on June 14, with Sweden and Tunisia to follow.
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