Netherlands 3-1 USA: Dutch overcome USA to book quarter-final spot

The Netherlands survived a late scare in opposition to the US to maneuver into the World Cup quarter-finals with a ruthless show of ending.

Louis van Gaal’s facet responded within the most interesting Dutch traditions within the tenth minute when Memphis Depay topped an impressive 21-pass transfer by handing over Denzel Dumfries’ cross.

The US battled arduous however lacked a leading edge and have been punished as soon as extra in comparable trend with the ultimate kick of the primary half when Daley Blind arrived with excellent timing on the top of one other Dumfries reduce.

The Dutch got anxious moments when the US pulled a purpose again within the 76th minute as Haji Wright’s freak deflection from Pulisic’s cross looped in on the far publish.

However they restored their two-goal lead 5 minutes later when creator Dumfries turned scorer, side-footing in a volley on the far publish from Blind’s cross.

Van Gaal’s Dutch march on

Van Gaal has been over this course earlier than with the Netherlands, when he guided them to a World Cup semi-final in Brazil in 2014, solely to lose on penalties to Argentina after a goalless attract Sao Paulo.

And his huge expertise means they can’t be under-estimated right here as they arrange a final eight assembly with both their 2014 conquerors Argentina or Australia, who meet at 19:00 GMT on Saturday.

No-one would faux it is a traditional Dutch facet however they’ve a sprinkling of high quality in all areas and the fantastic thing about their first purpose, which might have delighted the purists of their homeland, was a graphic demonstration of their capabilities.

Virgil van Dijk is the world-class defensive chief alongside Nathan Ake, whereas each full-backs Blind and Dumfries made essential contributions.

Frenkie de Jong brings management to midfield and there’s actual risk within the form of Depay, who scored his first purpose of this World Cup, and one of many break-out stars of this World Cup, Cody Gakpo.

It was a show that delighted the band of Dutch followers inside Khalifa Worldwide Stadium as Van Gaal’s facet march on.

Pulisic miss proves pricey

The States’ major man Christian Pulisic seemed near tears after the ultimate whistle as he mirrored on the prospect that acquired away in these opening moments, a chance that may have made this a really totally different tie.

Pulisic was despatched by way of on purpose by Tyler Adams’ intelligent supply however the outstretched leg of Dutch keeper Noppert made the block. Pulisic ought to have scored and he knew it.

The US have been quickly in arrears and will by no means get shut sufficient to the Netherlands, other than Wright’s purpose, which was closely laced with success.

The left facet of their defence was brutally uncovered by the Dutch for all three objectives and this, blended with poor ending, meant their World Cup ends within the first knockout spherical.

There’s something to construct on after getting out of the group phases however there can even be disillusioned on the sense of missed alternative as they make their departure from Qatar and begin their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which they are going to be co-hosting.

Participant of the match

DumfriesDenzel Dumfries

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