World Cup Round-Up (Day 14) – Netherlands Knock Out USA Before Argentina Eliminate Australia

04/12/22 1263

The group stage may have only finished on Friday, but the knockout phase started with a bang on Saturday. The Netherlands and Argentina booked their place in the quarter-finals, eliminating the USA and Australia, respectively.

In the early kick-off, the Dutch claimed an impressive 3-1 win against the Stars and Stripes. Later that day, Lionel Messi and co. beat the Socceroos 2-1 – despite a spirited performance from the men from Down Under.

Let’s relive all the major incidents from Day 14 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Dumfries Stars as Dutch Destroy Stars and Stripes

The Netherlands started strongly against the USA at Khalifa International Stadium. Memphis Depay scored the opening goal inside ten minutes, converting a neat cross from Denzel Dumfries.

On the stroke of half-time, Dumfries produced a similar ball to set up Daley Blind. The left-back, earning his 98th cap for his country, dished up a similar finish to Depay to double the Dutch’s advantage.

The Stars and Stripes pushed for a goal after the break, producing several chances to get back into the game. On 76 minutes, Haji Wright’s fortunate finish gave Gregg Berhalter’s side a lifeline.

However, the comeback didn’t last long. Five minutes after Wright’s goal, Dumfries sealed the deal and capped off an excellent individual performance – adding a goal to his two assists on the night.

The USA finished the games with 59% possession and recorded 17 shots, eight of which were on target. Even so, the Netherlands managed to hold on and punch their ticket to the quarter-finals.

Messi Inspires Argentina to Victory Over Spirited Socceroos

The second game of the day took place at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, with Argentina expected to east past Australia. But the Socceroos made life difficult for the South American champions.

The Aussies defended brilliantly for much of the first half, meaning a moment of magic was needed to break the deadlock. On 35 minutes, Messi exchanged passes on the edge of the penalty area before rolling the ball into the net.

Argentina’s second goal came in different circumstances, with Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan gifting the ball to Manchester City forward Julian Alveraz – who calming converted to make it 2-0.

Australia pulled one back through a deflected own goal by Enzo Fernandez, but it wasn’t meant to be. Argentina were the better side on the night and deserved to progress, regardless of the Socceroos’ spirit.