Netherlands to Face Uzbekistan, Timber's Start Uncertain

Netherlands will play a friendly against Uzbekistan in New York on Monday evening. The starting eleven mirrors the squad set to face Japan in the opening World Cup match on Sunday. Coach Ronald Koeman confirmed the lineup. Koeman said there will be no rotation after the 0-1 loss to Algeria. Players who did not feature will contest a second 30‑minute match behind closed doors later that day. The closed‑door game also pits them against Uzbekistan. Jurriën Timber, the Arsenal defender who joined the group on Thursday, has not completed all training sessions. Koeman will decide in the afternoon whether Timber can start the next day. Timber still reports light complaints.

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Donyell Malen's position for the Uzbekistan match remains undecided. After Memphis Depay entered at halftime against Algeria, Malen shifted to right wing. Koeman will reveal Malen's role tomorrow. Koeman praised the facilities at New York City FC's Etihad City Football Academy in Orangeburg. He hopes the team shows more aggression and reduces sloppy play after the Algeria defeat. The coach expects a better performance against Uzbekistan.