Dutch plan dress rehearsal for starting line-up in Monday friendly

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman plans to use Monday's friendly against Uzbekistan in New York as a crucial dress rehearsal for his starting lineup. This match precedes their opening World Cup clash against Japan next weekend.

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We want to use the first match to make as few changes as possible. We have to wait and see if that works.

Koeman announced that the rest of the Dutch squad will play a second, unofficial game against the Uzbeks immediately after. This second match will consist of two 35-minute halves, ensuring all 26 players receive playing time. "We have 26 players and everyone gets minutes to play. That's what you want," Koeman stated at a press conference.

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We are going to play the first match largely with our starting team. It is also good for guys who are not 100 per cent fit who can then play in the second match. That is why we are playing two matches.

A key decision remains regarding defender Jurrien Timber, who only joined the squad recently after playing for Arsenal in the Champions League final. Timber's fitness is uncertain after a groin injury sidelined him since March. "If he trains and is fully fit, he always makes a good impression. That hasn't been the case every day, so we have to make a decision," Koeman told reporters. A final decision on his participation will be made after consulting with the team doctor and Timber himself.

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We have 26 players and everyone gets minutes to play. That's what you want.

The Dutch team will begin their Group F campaign against Japan in Dallas on Sunday. Uzbekistan is scheduled to play Colombia in Group K on June 17.

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If he trains and is fully fit, he always makes a good impression. That hasn't been the case every day, so we have to make a decision.