Netherlands vs Uzbekistan prediction
Айкан Стэдиум, Уэст-Нью-Йорк
Ильгиз Танташев
Netherlands
The Netherlands are set for their second warm-up match ahead of the World Cup. Following a 0-1 home defeat by Algeria in Rotterdam, "Oranje" will face Uzbekistan in New York.
Without a doubt, Ronald Koeman's team didn't deserve the loss against the "Desert Foxes", but their finishing was lackluster without Xavi Simons leading the charge. The Dutch amassed 2.19 xG from their chances, hit the target six times, and completed 87% of their passes but failed to convert their dominance into a goal. Koeman opted for significant rotation in that game, and despite a more composed second half, "Oranje" couldn’t salvage even a draw. The game against Uzbekistan will serve as a dress rehearsal ahead of the World Cup, so widespread squad rotations aren't expected here.
Uzbekistan
Fabio Cannavaro's team (who took charge right after the qualification) is making its debut on the big stage with a foreign coach. The federation opted for a manager with a recognizable name and reputation in global football to lead them at the World Cup. Timur Kapadze, who guided the team to the World Cup, is now part of the coaching staff, assisting the Italian.
Undoubtedly, the Uzbeks will rely heavily on Bashakshehir's striker Eldor Shomurodov, who has Serie A experience with Roma and Genoa.
The lack of experience and the overall lower quality of the team compared to the Dutch makes Cannavaro's side the underdogs rightfully. In their prelude to facing "Oranje", the players under the Italian's guidance performed admirably against the World Cup hosts Canada, yet fell 0-2 to the "Maple Leafs".
Prediction
Bronze medalists from Euro 2024 and the current World Cup quarter-finalists should effortlessly close out Uzbekistan with a handicap of two or more goals based on their skill and experience.
The game intensity, experience, and skill of players like De Jong, Van Dijk, Depay, Gakpo, and Ake are a cut above the level of Uzbekistan's squad. Meanwhile, the Italian's side lacks players of such caliber, and this will be their first World Cup appearance. If the Uzbeks lose 0-2 to Canada, the match here could end in a rout, considering the Netherlands outclass and out-experience the "Maple Leafs" as well. Koeman's squad will look to recharge with positivity against such opponents right before the World Cup.
