The Netherlands are led by Louis van Gaal into the World Cup quarterfinals, where they will play Argentina.
Follow Us
Denzel Dumfries had a standout performance as the Netherlands defeated the USA 3-1 in their last-16 match to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. The Netherlands took the lead in the first half thanks to goals from Memphis Depay (10) and Daley Blind (45+1), both of which were swept home similarly from Dumfries crosses. However, the USA forced both the Inter Milan defender and Cody Gakpo to clear off the line before Haji Wright produced a “impossible” goal in the 76th minute to set up a thrilling finish.
Dumfries, a standout performer, put an end to their hopes of a stunning comeback, volleying in Blind’s cross to seal the victory in the 83rd minute. Christian Pulisic’s clearance to play had given the USA hope, but just three minutes in, the Chelsea forward blew a golden opportunity by shooting at Andries Noppert from in a clear-cut position.
After that, the Netherlands absorbed pressure well throughout the first half and frequently threatened to attack on the break. This was an effective tactical move by Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, whose only loss in his first 11 World Cup matches as manager came against Argentina in 2014 on penalties. After the break, USA started the game, but they were on the losing end of the chaos. Their young team will need to apply the lessons learned from Qatar to the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host. The Netherlands, who have advanced to the round of eight for the fifth time in their last six World Cups, will now focus on playing Argentina on Friday, December 9 at 7 p.m. at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
Read More- Netherlands vs USA: Records, Stats, Goals, Head to Head & everything to know
The Netherlands withdrew as soon as the game began, giving the USA possession. The opening goal demonstrated the threat of Van Gaal’s team when they accelerate up the pitch in possession, despite the fact that it nearly backfired when Pulisic was played in and should have converted a one-on-one in the early stages of the game. The Netherlands invited the USA to attack for the remainder of the half, but as their opponents struggled to get passes through the lines, it was the team in orange that posed the greatest threat. Blind missed a shot and Depay fired across the goal at the end of quick counterattacks, exposing the defense’s lack of speed.
In an effort to tie the game again, the USA exploded onto the scene in the second half. As they threw bodies forward, substitute Giovanni Reyna saw a shot cleared off the line by Gakpo, Pulisic hit the post, and Weston McKennie missed the target. However, at the other end, the game opened up and Matt Turner was forced into a sharp stop at his near post following a errant clearance from Walker Zimmerman. Depay and Pulisic had opportunities come and go as the suspenseful finish heated up, but Dumfries put an end to USA’s hopes of a stunning comeback when he tucked Blind’s cross away. He merited to finish off the victory that advances the Netherlands to the next round because he was a part of so many significant moments in the game.
