The 2022 FIFA World Cup last 16 kicks off on Saturday, December 3, with a fantastic tie between the Netherlands and the United States at the Khalifa International Stadium.
The Dutch go into the last 16 after winning Group A with seven points from three games. Although the Oranje scored five goals and conceded one time in their three group games, questions are already being asked if the Dutch are good or just fortunate.
The smiles tell the story 😁 pic.twitter.com/H7mT1lmHd2— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 30, 2022
The smiles tell the story 😁 pic.twitter.com/H7mT1lmHd2
The Netherlands benefitted from a weak group featuring Qatar, Ecuador, and Senegal. Cody Gakpo’s three goals in three games helped the Dutch through the group and made up for some poor attacking football.
The United States reached the round of 16 for the first time since 2014. The Yanks went unbeaten in Group B with five points from three games and finished as runner-up.
Gregg Berhalter has one of the best starting XIs in United States soccer history. The starting XI is athletic and the group of players that started against Iran on matchday No 3 all compete in Europe.
The team isn’t quite as strong once Berhalter has to bring on substitutes although it is a hard-working squad.
The Dutch struggled for goals in the group stage and so did the Yanks. The United States scored just two goals in three games. Christian Pulisic’s first-half goal against Iran gave the Yanks the win despite their dominance throughout the 90 minutes.
The United States had 12 shots with five on target, but only one goal to show for their excellent attacking play. Berhalter doesn’t have a quality No 9 and goals will need to come from other areas to defeat the Dutch.
Manager Louis van Gaal will once again use a 3-4-1-2 formation against the United States. Gakpo is the team’s dangerman and the PSV Eindhoven man will likely play as part of a front two. Van Gaal used Memphis Depay with Gakpo in the attack as the Oranje defeated Qatar 2-0.
The United States are organised in defence and do not give up many chances. They kept two clean sheets in three group games. Wales were the only team to score against the Yanks. All three of the United States group games were nil-nil at halftime.
Berhalter will want to play Pulisic, but the Chelsea forward came off at halftime after a collision with Iran’s goalkeeper while scoring. The manager will also need to make a decision on his central defensive pairing.
Walker Zimmermann started the United States' two opening games and was guilty of conceding a penalty to Wales. Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers came into central defence for Zimmermann against Iran and put in a man-of-the-match performance.
The United States have not allowed a goal from open play. Can they deal with the Netherlands’ strong attack?
The Yanks should keep a third straight clean sheet at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the match ends nil-nil at full-time. The Dutch and Yanks will need extra time and possibly penalties to go through to the last eight.