Netherlands 3-1 USA: Netherlands move easily into next round
The Netherlands controlled this round of 16 tie to beat the USA 3-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
This was the sixth time that The Netherlands and the USMNT had met in a World Cup.
The USA made two changes from their victory over Iran on Tuesday. Walker Zimmerman replaced Cameron Carter-Vickers at centre-back and Jesus Ferreira replaced Josh Sargent up front.
The Netherlands fielded the same 11 that defeated Qatar 2-0 last time out.
In the opening moments of the match Christian Pulisic had a good chance for the USA when on-one-on one with Andries Noppert.
However, the Netherlands’s scored from their first real chance. After some beautiful one-touch passing, Memphis Depay cut across his man and slotted into the bottom-left corner.
The Netherlands continued to push forward and, controlling possession, were able to pick and choose when to counterattack. They had more clear cut chances on goal of the two sides in the first half – four in total and one on target.
The USA were still creating chances themselves but they were often unadventurous. They occasionally slowed down their play so much it ground to halt.
On 42 minutes Timothy Weah’s strike from outside the box provided their best chance to equalise but he was unable to get the ball past Noppert.
One minute before half-time, a Netherlands throw-in led to Daley Blind scoring the Netherlands’ second goal which was almost a carbon-copy of the first.
The Oranje then made two changes at half-time, bringing on Steven Bergwijn and Teun Koopmeiners for Martin de Roon and Davy Klaasen. The USA made a single change as Giovanni Reyna replaced Ferreira.
These players made a big a difference for both teams but particularly the USA. They passed the ball much quicker in the second half but the Netherlands’ defence stood firm.
Both sides’ ability to counterattack effectively meant there were plenty of chances throughout the second half.
The Dutch forced a fine double save from Matt Turner which kept US hopes alive and they brought on two more substitutes in a bid to force a breakthrough.
Eventually they got a breakthrough. Pulisic’s low cross was flicked up by the boot of Haji Wright, the ball looping over the Dutch keeper and into the far corner of the net.
The Stars and Stripes were back in the game and upped the anti as they pushed for an equaliser.
However, after a great cross by Blind and poor defending by the USA, Denzel Dumfries calmly scored a third Dutch goal, volleying into the far corner of the net from the left of the six-yard box.
That knocked the wind out of US sails. The Netherlands controlled possession and remained organised thereafter.
They glide into the last eight and will face Argentina in the next round. As for the USA they leave with their heads held high despite defeat.
Next time they play in the World Cup they will be co-hosts.
