Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said he will use Monday’s friendly against Uzbekistan in New York as a full dress rehearsal for his likely starting team ahead of the World Cup opener against Japan next weekend.
Koeman said the Dutch will play two separate unofficial matches against Uzbekistan at the Ichan Stadium. The first will feature the strongest possible lineup, with as few changes as possible, while the second game will give the rest of the squad a chance to get minutes. The plan is to use two 35-minute halves in the second match. Koeman said the approach is meant to ensure all 26 players get playing time and to help players who are not yet fully fit gain match rhythm.
The coach said he wants the first match to look as close as possible to a competitive line-up, but added that it remains to be seen whether that plan works exactly as intended. He described the arrangement as useful both for tactical preparation and for managing player fitness before a major tournament.
A key selection decision still needs to be made over defender Jurrien Timber, who joined the squad only last Thursday after playing for Arsenal in the Champions League final on May 30. Timber had not played since March because of a groin injury, and Koeman said there are still questions about whether he is fully ready to start. The coach said Timber has looked good when fully fit, but has not trained at that level every day since joining the squad. Koeman added that he would speak with the team doctor and Timber later on Sunday before deciding whether the defender will be in the starting line-up.
Netherlands will begin their Group F campaign against Japan in Dallas on Sunday. Uzbekistan are due to face Colombia on June 17 in Group K.
