Whether you’re rooting for either team or not, here’s a look at the Netherlands vs USA game. Including key stats and predictions.
Christian Pulisic
Earlier this week, the United States advanced to the World Cup knockout stage after drawing a match against Wales. Now, they will face the Netherlands in their first knockout match, with both teams looking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
It’s a testament to the vigorous defense the Americans have put up in this tournament that they have managed to keep two matches scoreless. They will need to add more goals to their tally to avoid a penalty shootout against the Netherlands.
Christian Pulisic is the leading man for the USA, having scored the game-winning goal against Iran. He suffered a pelvic injury during the match but is now expected to play against the Netherlands.
He is expected to play against the Netherlands, but his fitness level is still unknown. As with other players on the roster, he will be assessed in the coming days to determine if he is ready to play.
The Netherlands has been in fine form in the World Cup so far. They have won four matches and drawn two. They drew 1-1 with Ecuador, blanked Qatar 2-0, and opened with a 2-0 victory over Senegal.
As of late, the Dutch have been plagued with an illness bug that has affected many of their players. This includes critical playmakers Frenkie de Jong and Walker Zimmerman, who were both taken off the bench after suffering flu-like symptoms.
The Netherlands has a strong defense, but they rely on Cody Gakpo for most of their goals. He scored three goals in the 2022 World Cup. Whether he can add to his tally against the US will be challenging.
Sergio Dest
Even though the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has never played the Netherlands in a World Cup match, they will face the former footballing powerhouse in the first Round of the tournament’s knockout phase. On Saturday night, the two teams will clash at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
For their part, the USMNT has a young, talented squad. But they are underdogs in the finals and have lost two of their last three finals to Belgium and Ghana after extra time.
Fortunately for the US, they have a strong defense that has conceded just one goal in three matches. However, their attack needs a clinical finisher. They have also relied on the same starters through all three games. This could be a problem for them, especially against a team as strong as the Netherlands.
The USMNT’s attack is based mainly on wing play, which could give the Netherlands a chance to exploit the American defense. However, the USMNT is still young, and they have talent in midfield. They also have a strong fullback.
The Netherlands is no stranger to the World Cup, having never lost a game in the tournament in ten years. They have been impressive against Senegal and Qatar, blanking them 2-0 and 1-1, respectively. But they have also lost to Belgium and Australia in the last two finals after extra time.
The Netherlands also has a strong midfield. Key playmaker Frenkie de Jong is among the players battling the flu. But there are no significant injuries to worry about, and they are a solid team.
The Netherlands has not lost a World Cup match in regular time in ten years. Their current run is the longest of their history, and they will be looking to prove that they can deliver on their end of the bargain in 2022.
Matt Turner
Despite losing 4-3 in a friendly against the Netherlands in 2015, the United States is confident they can shock the Dutch at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Dutch can get back into the tournament’s top eight.
The USMNT will face the Netherlands in their first knockout round tournament match on December 3. The two teams have yet to play each other in a competitive game. The Dutch have won four friendly matches but have lost three.
The USMNT team will look to limit opportunities while still creating chances. They have an exciting group of attack-minded players. Timothy Weah, Josh Sargent, and Christian Pulisic will be critical. They will have to keep the Dutch from scoring.
The Netherlands looked poor in the World Cup. They have only scored one goal in three matches while conceding one. The Dutch will need to be on their game to keep the USMNT from advancing to the quarterfinals.
The USMNT will be looking to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 2002. The USMNT defeated Iran in the final group-stage match. They then beat Honduras 4-1. They then beat Costa Rica 2-1. They are currently ranked 16th in the FIFA rankings. The Netherlands is currently ranked 8th.
The USMNT is a solid team that has looked better since the World Cup. The Netherlands is one of the few teams that has lost a match. The USMNT may have to take a more cautious approach against the Dutch.
The USMNT will play in the first match of the knockout Round at 6 pm local time in Qatar. The game will be aired on FOX.
Previous World Cup encounters between the Netherlands and USA.
Besides their World Cup encounters, the United States and the Netherlands have played each other in five friendly matches. In those games, the Netherlands won four of the five matches. In the other two matches, the USA won one. The two teams will meet in the first Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
Christian Pulisic will lead the USA. The 22-year-old has been involved in six goals in the last nine games for the USA. He is expected to return from injury to help the USA win its first game against the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is unbeaten in ten World Cup matches under coach Louis van Gaal. The Netherlands reached the quarterfinals in the last five World Cups. The Netherlands has kept five clean sheets in the previous six games at the World Cup.
The Netherlands has not lost to the United States in a competitive game since 2006. The Netherlands has not failed an American team in a World Cup match in 20 years. The Netherlands has not lost to an American couple in any of the last 24 World Cup matches that have been played when trailing.
In this match, the Netherlands will have to concentrate on star-attacking midfielder Cody Gakpo. Gakpo has scored three goals in the group stage. He will add 35 goals in 29 appearances against the USA.
The Netherlands is also expected to get a boost because Dutch striker David Villa has not scored in his last four matches at a World Cup. He was later to score in a World Cup in 1998. However, the Netherlands has yet to score in the last eight games in the current tournament.
Expect the Netherlands to score first.
Even though the Netherlands finished top of their group, they’re not expected to score first against the United States at FIFA World Cup 2022. Louis van Gaal’s side has a solid defensive record in knockout matches, but they’ve been unable to score goals.
It’s been a good start for the Dutch in Qatar, but they’ve yet to put a complete performance together. They’ve only shipped one goal so far, so they’ll have to adjust.
If the Dutch beat the United States, it would extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches. It would also extend their lead in the Golden Boot race. But they’ll need to improve their chances of securing the win.
The Netherlands finished first in their group with three wins and a draw, while the US finished second with two wins and two draws. Louis van Gaal’s side hasn’t lost a World Cup match under his management.
The USA is still searching for its first World Cup win over a European team. They’ve fought through qualifying and are looking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. They’ve also shown a lot of tenacity in playing with better teams. They’ve played two back-to-back draws against Wales and England.
The Netherlands has been a tough team to break down in the World Cup, but it will be hard for the United States to get past the Dutch defense. They’ll need to be aggressive with their pressing. They’ve made a lot of clear chances in this tournament, and it’s a chance for the USA to capitalize on them.
Netherlands and United States haven’t met in a World Cup since 2015. They’ve met in a friendly, though. They’ll need to get past each other in the Round of 16 in Qatar.
