Netherlands also victorious
©IMAGO
Thanks to a gala performance by Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, France’s dress rehearsal for the World Cup was a success. In the 3-1 (1-0) win in the final test against Northern Ireland, the midfielder scored all three goals (43rd minute/49th/75th minute) for the French, the third goal with a shot into the corner from 20 meters.
Patrick Kelly (64th) scored in Lille to equalize for the guests. Vice world champion France starts the World Cup next Tuesday against Senegal. Other group opponents are Iraq on June 22nd and Norway four days later.
The Netherlands also celebrated a successful, if arduous, World Cup dress rehearsal. Bond coach Ronald Koeman’s team won 2-1 (1-0) against outsiders Uzbekistan. Cody Gakpo (32./90.+7) ensured the Dutch’s success with two penalty goals after a hectic final phase.
In the second minute of injury time, Igor Sergeev equalized for Uzbekistan after the Dutchman Guus Til (87′) had recently been shown red for a handball. The red card has no impact on the World Cup.
Shortly before the game, the Dutch announced the loss of defender Jurriën Timber. The Arsenal FC professional cannot take part in the tournament due to a groin injury. Oranje starts the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico next Sunday against Japan. Other opponents in the preliminary round are Sweden on June 20th and Tunisia on June 26th.