Ahead of the World Cup kickoff, two tournament favorites — France and the Netherlands — both played their final warm-up matches. Both teams ultimately secured victories, heading into the tournament on a winning streak.
However, the two matches unfolded in very different ways. The Netherlands produced a dramatic stoppage-time winner while down to ten men, surviving a tense finish to claim victory. France, on the other hand, delivered a controlled performance, comfortably defeating their opponent 3-1 to close out their preparation matches.
🇫🇷 France 3-1 Northern Ireland — Olise Hat-Trick Secures Comfortable Win
France faced 70th-ranked Northern Ireland and fielded their strongest starting lineup.
In the 14th minute, Désiré Doué delivered a brilliant through ball to set up Kylian Mbappé for a one-on-one chance, but the goalkeeper made a crucial save. In the 21st minute, Aurélien Tchouaméni struck the post from long range. Shortly after, Doué set up Mbappé again for a finish, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Doué.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute. After Ousmane Dembélé’s shot was blocked in the box, Bayern winger Michael Olise followed up to score and give France the lead.
After halftime, France continued to push forward. In the 49th minute, Olise struck a powerful shot to double the lead.
Northern Ireland pulled one back in the 65th minute when Patrick Kelly finished from a cross delivered by Charles on the left flank.
In the 75th minute, Olise — valued at €150 million — produced a stunning curling strike from the right side to complete his hat trick and seal the result.
France eventually won 3-1, finishing their warm-up campaign on a high. They will begin their World Cup group stage on June 17 at 3:00 AM, facing African powerhouse Senegal.
🇳🇱 Netherlands 2-1 Uzbekistan — Late Penalty Winner Seals Dramatic Victory
The Netherlands faced World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, also fielding a full-strength lineup.
In the 23rd minute, Summerville won a penalty in the box, and Cody Gakpo converted it confidently to give the Dutch the lead.
The match turned in the 87th minute when Teun suffered a handball at the edge of the box. After a VAR review, the referee issued a red card, leaving the Netherlands down to ten men in the closing stages.
With the numerical disadvantage, the Netherlands came under heavy pressure. In the second minute of stoppage time, Sergeyev equalized for Uzbekistan, pushing the match to the brink.
However, the Dutch responded under pressure. In the 98th minute, Van Hecke was fouled in the box, earning another penalty.
Gakpo stepped up again and calmly converted his second penalty, completing a brace and securing a dramatic last-minute victory for the Netherlands.
In the World Cup group stage, the Netherlands will open their campaign on June 15 at 4:00 AM against Asian powerhouse Japan. Uzbekistan, despite the loss, will make their historic World Cup debut on June 18 at 10:00 AM against Colombia.