Bayern's Olise leads France to victory over Northern Ireland with three goals – Netherlands labor past Uzbekistan

Olise shines in Deschamps' farewell match

Shortly after the restart, the 24-year-old made it 2-0, before Northern Ireland unexpectedly pulled one back through Patrick Kelly in the 64th minute. With his eighth goal in his 18th appearance for France, Olise restored order and made the final score 3-1. It was also the final home match for coach Didier Deschamps, who will step down after the World Cup.

Northern Ireland had failed to qualify for the World Cup and entered the match in Lille as underdogs. France faces Senegal in their first World Cup group game on Tuesday, June 16. Further group opponents are Iraq on June 22 and Norway four days later.

Netherlands hit by injury concerns and poor form

In parallel, the Netherlands played their final warm-up at the Icahn Stadium in New York, which is part of Manhattan, against Uzbekistan, the side coached by Fabio Cannavaro, who won the World Cup as a player with Italy in 2006. The dress rehearsal was not blessed with good fortune: before kickoff, coach Ronald Koeman's team had already announced the loss of right-back Jurrien Timber, who will miss the World Cup with a groin injury.

On top of that, the Dutch, who had lost 0-1 to Algeria the previous week, were largely unconvincing for long stretches. With a draw against Ecuador, the defeat to Algeria, and the narrow win to close out, their form curve was far from encouraging. Cody Gakpo, who converted both Dutch goals from the penalty spot, gave his side the lead in the 32nd minute.

Red card and penalty drama in New York

Uzbekistan equalized in first-half stoppage time, with Igor Sergeev netting the surprise 1-1 in the 90+2nd minute. The match turned decisively when Guus Til was shown a straight red card in the 87th minute for a handball as the last man. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen had already left the game earlier through injury. Down a man and with Gakpo's late penalty (98th), "Oranje" avoided the embarrassment and won 2-1.

The Dutch open their World Cup campaign against Japan on Sunday. Their other group games follow on June 20 against Sweden and on June 26 against Tunisia. Til's red card has no consequences for his participation in the World Cup.

France's Olise, meanwhile, underlined his strong season at FC Bayern Munich with his hat-trick and is likely to play an important role at the tournament in North America. Les Bleus head into the competition as one of the favorites but will have to compensate for the departure of Deschamps after the tournament.