The Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup after defeating United States 3-1 on Saturday evening.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Result: Netherlands 3-1 United States
Date: 03 December 2022
Venue: Khalifa International Stadium
Christian Pulisic recovered from the knock against Iran to retain his spot in the USA line-up, while Dutch coach Louis van Gaal named an unchanged team from the win over Qatar.
The Americans had the first real opening after just two minutes when Weston McKennie sent Pulisic through on goal, but the forward was denied by goalkeeper Andries Noppert in a one-on-one situation.
USA were made to rue that missed chance as the Dutch opened the scoring on ten minutes as Memphis Depay turned home Denzel Dumfries' well-weighted cross after some superb build-up play.
The Americans had most of the possession in the first half, but lacked the getting edge to carve out a clear-cut opening for Timothy Weah and Jesus Ferreira.
After a quiet spell, Weah nearly brought USA level just before the halftime break with a thunderous volley from just outside the box but Noppert was able to parry the effort away.
However, Netherlands doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime in carbon-copy of the first goal, as Dumfries got to the byline before picking out Daley Blind, who calmly slotted past Matt Turner.
USA threw on Borussia Dortmund starlet Giovanni Reyna at the start of the second half and the youngster carved out an opening soon after setting up McKennie, who sent his effort over the crossbar.
Turner came to America's rescue after the hour mark as he produced a fine save to keep out Depay's first-time effort from distance, which seemed destined for the far corner.
USA did reduce the deficit with 15 minutes to play as Pulisic turned provider to pick out substitute Haji Wright, whose flick-on looped into the far corner to set up a nervy finish to the half.
However, the Netherlands ended any hopes of a American comeback as Dumfries registered a goal to go with his two assists by turning home Blind's cross at the far post on 82 minutes.
Louis Van Gaal's charges will now face the winner of the round of 16 encounter against Argentina and Australia.
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