FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16: Netherlands vs USA Preview

FIFA World Cup 2022 Round of 16: Netherlands vs USA 

Date: Saturday, 3rd December , 16:00 CET
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium
Referee: Wilton Sampaio

The Netherlands and the United States will play their round of 16 match at the 2022 World Cup at Torvet Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Louis van Gaal’s side won Group A and secured a place in the knockout stages, while the Stars and Stripes finished second behind England in Group B.

A small error against Ecuador was just another error for the Netherlands, who were widely expected to progress to the Round of 16 as Group A winners, and did not disappoint Orange fans as they picked up seven points from their three games.

Breakout star Cody Gakpo became only the fourth man in Dutch history to score in three consecutive World Cup games in his opening game against Qatar on Tuesday. – score and leave the hosts undefeated and in vain on the way to the exit door.

The Netherlands’ way of playing at this World Cup has raised concerns with Orange only having eight shots on target so far, but Van Gaal dismissed those concerns as the 2010 runners-up prepared for another World Cup meeting. out.

Topping Group A, the Netherlands continued their remarkable run, reaching the round of 16 at every World Cup since 1934. In the last 32 years they have only been eliminated at this stage twice – once in 1990 and since. 2006 again.

Since the Czech Republic were eliminated at the European Championships, the Netherlands have enjoyed an impressive 18-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, with Van Gaal now unbeaten in 11 World Cup matches and sitting second. finished Mario Zagallo and the all-time record 12 behind Felipe Scolari.

USA talisman Christian Pulisic put his body on the team and sustained an injury that required hospital treatment. He made it to the playoffs of football’s most prestigious event, scoring the only goal of the game in the final Group B game. Iran.

This all-or-nothing showdown was decided when Pulisic missed the target in the 38th minute and scored from close range, while Gregg Berhalter’s side moved Iran to second place behind England and a thrilling game against the Dutch began .

The Stars and Stripes also made it to the round of 16 in 2010 and 2014 before being eliminated and the USA only reached the quarter-finals in 2002, but recent history against European nations at the World Cup does not speak for them. Berhalter’s Harvest.

Indeed, the USA have not beaten a UEFA team at the World Cup since 2002 – since then they have drawn six and lost five against such sides – and the last three knockout games against European countries at the World Cup have all ended in defeat .

The win over Iran was also the first win in six games in all competitions for the Stars and Stripes, who lost their first four encounters with the Netherlands in friendlies but won an impressive 4-3 win over the Oranges in 2015 – soon. came back from 3-1 down to win it late thanks to a 90th-minute performance from Bobby Wood.

Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong injured his ankle on Wednesday and returned to full training on Thursday, but Denzel Dumfries should always play on the right flank.

Van Gaal should therefore have his entire selection available, but Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake will walk a tightrope and miss every quarter-final if booked.

Orange’s line-up could remain unchanged as PSV Eindhoven star Gakpo aims to become the first Dutchman to score in four consecutive World Cup appearances.

As for the United States, Pulisic has been under daily scrutiny after sustaining a hip bruise against Iran, but the Chelsea forward confirmed he will be fine in a congratulatory message from his hospital bed on Saturday.

Berhalter also lost Josh Sargent to an injured ankle, although the extent of the damage will only be known after the results of the scans, while Weston McKennie is struggling with a quadriceps problem that is causing another headache for the US team.

However, all three players are said to have good chances of making the last 16, so Berhalter will certainly aim to remain unchanged with the XI without worrying about delays.

Netherlands vs USA Head-to-Head and Key Facts:

USA World Cup form:

D D W

USA form (all competitions):

D L D D D W

Probable Lineups:

Netherlands:
Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, F. De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay

USA :
Turner; Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic