Van Dijk says Netherlands need time to adapt in US

Virgil van Dijk said the Netherlands national team needs time to adjust to the warm conditions in the United States. The comment came after a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan at Icahn Stadium in New York.

"We began well, like the previous match, then became sloppy in possession and struggled to play between the lines," Van Dijk said. He added that the squad must improve in Kansas and work hard there.

Jurriën Timber was confirmed missing the World Cup before the game. Donyell Malen's performance was moderate, Bart Verbruggen left with a suspected hip injury, and Guus Til received a red card. Uzbekistan scored a late goal, turning the afternoon into a negative news show.

Coach Ronald Koeman warned the team has struggled to score from open play and needs three to four field goals in the next match. He also criticised referee Alyssa Pennington for the red card decision. Dumfries echoed the call for a more attacking approach.

The Netherlands will travel from New York to Kansas on Tuesday to train. Their first group match is against Japan in Dallas on 14 June.