The victory over Uzbekistan did not convince foreign media of the Netherlands chances at the World Cup. Although the Netherlands avoided another setback thanks to a late penalty converted by Cody Gakpo, Spanish, French, Belgian, German and Italian media mainly see a team heading into the World Cup with many concerns.
Foreign media remain unconvinced by Dutch win over Uzbekistan
The Netherlands secured a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan, but the result did little to remove the doubts surrounding Ronald Koeman's side ahead of the World Cup. Oranje avoided a damaging setback thanks to two penalties from Cody Gakpo, including one deep into stoppage time, but the performance was far from convincing.
Instead of offering reassurance, the match created more questions. The Netherlands had chances, possession and enough attacking presence to win more comfortably, yet they allowed Uzbekistan to remain alive until the final seconds. For a team preparing to face Japan in its World Cup 2026 opener, that lack of control was one of the main concerns highlighted by foreign media.
Gakpo saves Oranje from another uncomfortable result
Cody Gakpo was once again decisive for the Netherlands. The Liverpool forward kept his composure from the penalty spot twice, with his second goal arriving in the 97th minute. Without his calm finish, Koeman's team would have been left with another deeply frustrating result at a crucial stage of their preparation.
Gakpo's contribution was important, but it could not hide the weaknesses in the Dutch display. The Netherlands created enough to settle the match earlier, but too often lacked sharpness in front of goal. That wastefulness gave Uzbekistan hope and ensured the evening remained tense until the final whistle.
Injury problems add to Koeman's concerns
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo focused heavily on the growing list of problems around the Dutch squad. Before kick-off, it had already been confirmed that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber will miss the World Cup and be replaced by Lutsharel Geertruida. That was a major blow for Koeman, who loses one of his most versatile defensive options.
Timber's absence reduces the tactical flexibility of the Netherlands. His ability to play in different defensive roles and help the team in possession would have been valuable in tournament football. Losing him so close to the opening match forces Koeman to adjust at a time when he would prefer stability.
The bad news continued during the match when first-choice goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had to be substituted after a nasty fall while trying to deal with a cross. His injury cast a shadow over the victory and created immediate doubts about his availability for the World Cup opener against Japan.
Lack of efficiency worries foreign observers
L'Équipe also questioned the Dutch performance, pointing to a clear lack of efficiency. With an expected goals value of 2.91, the Netherlands should have won the match with greater comfort. Instead, they needed a late penalty from Gakpo to secure a narrow 2-1 victory.
That is a warning sign for Koeman. At World Cup level, missed chances can be decisive. The Netherlands may have survived against Uzbekistan, but stronger opponents are unlikely to be as forgiving. The attacking structure created opportunities, but the finishing did not match the volume of chances produced.
Uzbekistan expose Dutch fragility
Uzbekistan deserve credit for the way they competed. Fabio Cannavaro's team stayed organised, disciplined and committed throughout the match. They did not simply wait to be beaten. Instead, they frustrated the Netherlands, remained in the contest and nearly forced a result that would have created serious embarrassment for Oranje.
For the Dutch, that is part of the problem. A team with World Cup ambitions should be able to control this type of match more convincingly. The narrow scoreline, the late penalty and the injury concerns all contributed to the feeling that the Netherlands are entering the tournament with unresolved issues.
Netherlands still have plenty to fix before Japan opener
The victory keeps the result column positive, but the wider picture remains uncomfortable. Koeman has to deal with Timber's absence, wait for updates on Verbruggen and improve the team's efficiency in attack. He also needs to restore a sense of authority that was missing for long periods against Uzbekistan.
The Netherlands still have individual quality, experience and attacking talent, but the performance did not convince the foreign press. For many observers, the 2-1 win was not a sign of strength. It was a warning. Oranje avoided a setback, but they did not remove the doubts surrounding their World Cup chances.
