Full backs proved the distinction because the Netherlands eradicated the U.S. with a 3-1 win in Saturday’s opening match of the World Cup knockout levels.
Denzel Dumfries netted and had two assists whereas Daley Blind scored too because the Dutch noticed outlasted a short spell of U.S. resistance to e-book a quarter-final with Argentina, which beat Australia, 2-1.
Striker Memphis Depay received the primary aim because the Netherlands superior to a seventh World Cup quarter-final.
The U.S. halved a cushty 2-0 halftime lead within the 76th minute, even when scorer Haji Wright appeared to know little concerning the ball hitting his heel after which looping into the nook of the online.
Nevertheless, any hopes that they had of staging a comeback ended 5 minutes later as Dumfries sealed his man-of-the-match efficiency by ghosting in on the again publish and side-footing a volley into the online to revive the two-goal benefit.
The American protection was sucker-punched after the 2 fast Netherlands’ scores, though in between their staff had probabilities, notably Christian Pulisic within the third minute when goalkeeper Andries Noppert received his lanky leg in the way in which to dam the shot.
“We talked concerning the sport being about moments,” mentioned U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter, whose nation will co-host the 2026 World Cup. “We have been on high after which swiftly we have been 2-0 down. That’s what occurs at this degree and we’ve received to be taught from it.”
In addition they had two second-half efforts cleared off the road however have been all the time susceptible to the counter-attack the place the Dutch may have made far more of quite a few alternatives so as to add to their tally.
In the long run, although, they added just one extra aim – however at a significant juncture, simply as the group on the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium was starting to supply the People encouragement.
The USMNT is now 1-5-0 all-time in opposition to the Netherlands.
The Dutch loved a decisive win, however face questions on whether or not they’re critical World Cup contenders. Coach Louis van Gaal insists they’re, though he was fast to confess Saturday’s exhibiting may have been rather a lot higher.
“We additionally misplaced lots of ball possession, and it’s not acceptable at a World Cup, particularly in case you are enjoying a top-level staff,” he mentioned.
Pulisic recorded his twelfth profession help on Wright’s aim and completed the World Cup with a aim and two assists. Pulisic joins three gamers, together with San Diego Loyal government Landon Donovan (three targets, 2010) who registered three or extra aim contributions at a single match.
U.S. substitute Luca de la Torre, who grew up in La Jolla, didn’t play Saturday nor within the different World Cup matches.
The U.S. completed the match with one win – over Iran to clinch a spot among the many 16 nationwide groups that made it out of the group stage – two ties and Saturday’s loss.
(Reporting by Mark Gleeson, modifying by Ken Ferris)
– Reuters and workers reviews
