Netherlands faced the United States Men’s National Team, USMNT, in the World Cup round of 16 today. The Netherlands kept their unbeaten run going as they ended the United States’ run.
Louis van Gaal’s side had the United States on strings in both halves; they dominated play in all areas and created more big chances of scoring in both halves. The United States saw more of the ball and had good chances of scoring, but failed to capitalize on those few scoring chances they had.
It wasn’t the best display from Gregg Berhalter’s side. Their defense was leaky, and the Netherlands always got through with ease. Memphis Depay scored the opening goal in the opening minutes of the first half. It was the first knockout-stage goal of the 2022 World Cup and one of the best goals yet. It was a well-built goal from the Netherlands, with Denzel Dumfries providing a brilliant assist for the goal. Memphis Depay was unmarked at the edge of the box and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
Daley Blind extended the Netherlands’ lead to 2-0 in the first half. It was another well-built goal, just like the first one. Denzel Dumfries was heavily involved again, as he provided a brilliant assist for the goal. Dumfries created the most big chances of scoring in the first half of the match and caused a lot of trouble from the right wing.
The United States tried to get back into the game after Haji Wright pulled one back from Christian Pulisic’s assist. It was a well-deserved goal for the United States, as they started well in the second half of the match. Christian Pulisic, who has been the United States’ best player so far at the 2022 World Cup, provided yet another assist, and it was his third goal contribution for the USMNT.
Netherlands got their two-goal lead back after Denzel Dumfries scored off Daley Blind’s assist. Dumfries was involved in all three goals scored by the Netherlands today, with two assists and a crucial goal. There was no way back for the Netherlands as Denzel Dumfries’ goal secured their spot in the quarter-finals.