International Friendlies
Uzbekistan looked set to earn a hard-fought draw after Igor Sergeev struck deep into stoppage time to cancel out Gakpo’s first-half penalty, only for the Liverpool forward to double his tally from the spot to snatch the win late in added time.
Gakpo had opened the scoring in the 31st minute from the spot after Jakhongir Urozov was penalised for a challenge on Crysencio Summerville.
Despite spending long periods under pressure, Uzbekistan remained resilient and gradually grew into the contest after the break.
Despite spending long periods under pressure, Uzbekistan remained resilient and gradually grew into the contest after the break.
Their persistence was rewarded in the second minute of added time when Sergeev found the net during one of Uzbekistan’s rare attacking opportunities.
However, their celebrations were short-lived six minutes later when the Netherlands were awarded a second penalty after Jean-Paul van Hecke went down inside the area from a corner, allowing Gakpo to seal victory from the spot.
However, their celebrations were short-lived six minutes later when the Netherlands were awarded a second penalty after Jean-Paul van Hecke went down inside the area from a corner, allowing Gakpo to seal victory from the spot.
While the result ended in disappointment, Fabio Cannavaro’s side will take encouragement from their spirited display ahead of their maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.
Uzbekistan, drawn in Group K, will begin their FIFA World Cup journey against Colombia in Mexico City on June 18.
Photos: Uzbekistan Football Association
Uzbekistan, drawn in Group K, will begin their FIFA World Cup journey against Colombia in Mexico City on June 18.
Photos: Uzbekistan Football Association
