It seemed like a long shot at several points throughout the group stage, but the USMNT made it to the knockout rounds at the World Cup. While some fans are still frustrated with the team’s inability to score goals, at the end of the day, the USA got where it needed to go. It no longer matters if they did it by hook or by crook. These are the knockout rounds. It’s time to switch to survive mode and move on. As long as they find a way forward, that’s all that matters right now. And their round of 16 opponent from the Netherlands is listed to make them work for it.
Christian Pulisic takes a step forward
The best players in the world take to the biggest stage. Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey did it repeatedly for the US at various World Cups. Christian Pulisic is the best player and face of the USMNT. When the chips were low and the US needed a win against Iran to advance, Pulisic put it all on the line and scored the only goal of the match. He also paid the price for it. A pelvic contusion led to a part-time substitution and a trip to a hospital for evaluation on him. Currently, he is up to date. However, Pulisic fully intends to play in the USA’s match in their preview match against the Netherlands.
The rest of the team held up well despite the absence of Pulisic in the second half. His lack of goals has been a hotly debated topic. Even then, the defensive performances have been outstanding.
In fact, the USMNT recorded back-to-back World Cup clean sheets for the first time since the first World Cup in 1930. Matt Turner already has more World Cup clean sheets than any other American goaltender. Gregg Berhalter threw Cameron Carter-Vickers to the wolves against Iran. He held up well in his World Cup start. With the game in the final minutes, Walker Zimmerman came on and redeemed himself after his penalty against Wales.
A preview of the Netherlands for the US
The Dutch have played well so far in this World Cup. That being said, the performances are not overbearing. This game is far from a foregone conclusion.
The Netherlands topped Group A with seven points out of a possible nine, but they haven’t been overwhelming. They defeated Senegal 2-0 in their opening game, but put it off until the 84th minute. They followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Ecuador. Their last group match was against Qatar, which now holds the dubious distinction of being the worst-performing host nation at a World Cup. The Netherlands dispatched them 2-0 with ease.
Incredibly, the Dutch haven’t lost since June 2021. Then, they lost 2-0 to the Czech Republic in the round of 16 at Euro 2020. That result cost former boss Frank de Boer his job. Instead, the Netherlands again turned to Louis van Gaal, who managed them from 2000 to 2001 and then again at the 2014 World Cup. Since van Gaal’s inauguration, the Dutch have posted a 13-0-5 record. (WLD). They have an extremely talented roster with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay.
But, reports in the last 24 hours suggest that several of their players are battling the flu virus. Only time will tell if that will cause them problems against the US.
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The most recent meeting between the two teams was supposed to be in March 2020 in Eindhoven. The US 101st Airborne Division liberated the city during World War II. However, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the game.
Therefore, the last time these two teams played was also the only time the United States defeated the Netherlands. Overall, the USMNT has a record of one win and four losses against the European team. That lone victory came in Amsterdam on June 5, 2015. The United States won 4-3 with Danny Williams and Bobby Wood scoring in the 89th and 90th minute, respectively, to give the Americans victory.
Likewise, the American defender Sergiño Dest was born in the Netherlands. However, he opted to play for the American contingent over the Dutch.
It is likely to start against the Netherlands on Saturday December 3 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
The game begins at 10 am ET with coverage on FOX. There is also pre-coverage of USA vs Netherlands starting at 9am
PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire
World Cup 2022 Guide
Here are some resources to help you make the most of the biggest event in soccer!
