FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16: Netherlands vs USA match preview

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FIFA World Cup 2022 round of 16: Netherlands vs USA match preview

The Netherlands will play the USA in the opening match of the World Cup’s knockout round on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium, as the European team looks to establish themselves as a serious contender in Qatar.

There has been a lot of discussion on the team’s chances to win the competition, particularly from the Dutch camp.

The team led Group A with seven points after victories of 2-0 over Senegal and Qatar and a 1-1 draw with Ecuador, finishing first.

Even though they are unbeaten, the Netherlands’ three games have been far from outstanding. A number of important players have yet to reach their full potential, and the team is highly dependent on goals from the hot-shot Cody Gakpo.

That will give the Americans hope because they will be the underdogs but have already demonstrated some of their potential by going undefeated in Group B, where they managed to draw 0-0 and 1-1 with England and Wales, respectively, and earn a tenacious 1-0 victory over Iran to guarantee their advancement.

To face the Netherlands, the USA will be hopeful that captain Christian Pulisic will be healthy [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

USA exercise for Pulisic’s health


Christian Pulisic, the standout player for the USA, has a pelvic ailment and is being monitored daily. Coach Gregg Berhalter promised that his team would not harbor any inferiority complexes despite this.

Although it’s a fantastic chance, Berhalter added, “we are not approaching it with the mindset that it is an honor.” “The situation we’re in is one that we deserve. And we wish to continue. On Saturday, we don’t want to go for home.

“And anything might happen from here. Playing one game at a time is all that is necessary. There’s no need to even predict how far this squad can advance, continued Berhalter, Netherlands vs USA who is well-versed in Dutch soccer. Between 1996 and 2000, the 49-year-old played in the Dutch league for three different teams.

Getting Memphis Depay going in attack and Frenkie de Jong involved with the ball in midfield will be crucial for the Netherlands.

Both have been deemed essential to the Dutch cause by Van Gaal.

Depay is essential if the Netherlands are to have any chance of competing for the World Cup crown.

The victor will go to Argentina or Australia.

Depay, who started their last group game and made two replacement appearances, Netherlands vs USA claims his hamstring issue is healed.

He told reporters, “I have placed a line under the doubts regarding fitness.

“I’m fit. The knockout round is a crucial stage. Since the group phase is over, we can no longer afford to revert to it. Many people believed it would be simple, but things often turn out differently.

The 71-year-old Van Gaal was careful not to undervalue the opposition.

According to his own experience, games against nations like the United States and Australia—whom we played against at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil—are usually quite challenging. They are incredibly devoted and astute.

On December 9, the victor of the game will face either Argentina or Australia in the quarterfinals.

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Maznur Rahman
Maznur Rahman
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