The United States men’s national team is back in the knockout round in its return to the World Cup. The Americans finished second place in Group B with a 1-0 win against Iran and now take on the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
Kickoff time: Saturday 10 a.m. ET/3 p.m. GMT
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Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan
How they got here:
Netherlands (first place Group A)
United States (second place Group B)
Team | To Advance | Total |
---|---|---|
-225 | O 2.5 (+125) | |
+155 | U 2.5 (-175) |
This is the redemption World Cup for both of these nations. Surprisingly, neither qualified in 2018, and now they meet in the Round of 16.
Both teams advanced from the group stage with no losses and were solid defensively, with only one goal conceded. However, the Dutch showed more in the attack than the Americans. The Americans scored just two goals and had seven shots on target in three matches.
The Netherlands comfortably beat Qatar on Tuesday, but were far from dominant in the first two matches. Senegal outshot the Dutch, but Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen scored after the 80th minute to get a win out of an even match. Then Ecuador had a 15-2 shot advantage against the Netherlands in the second group match. Gakpo has three goals already in this tournament.
The Dutch have been getting results and won their group as expected, but they have not looked like one of the best teams at this World Cup. The Americans have been a bit of a surprise, even arguably outplaying England in a scoreless draw.
Both Christian Pulisic and Josh Sargent left with injuries against Iran. Pulisic was hurt on the game-winning goal against Iran, colliding with the goalkeeper, but did return later in the first half. He was subbed off at halftime with an abdominal injury. Sargent landed awkwardly on his right leg after trying to avoid a slide tackle late in the match against Iran and had a scan on the injured ankle on Wednesday.
The U.S. last made a World Cup quarterfinal in 2002, beating rival Mexico 2-0. Since then, the Americans have lost to Ghana in 2010 and Belgium in 2014, both in extra time, in this round. The Dutch were runners-up in the World Cup in 2010 and finished third in 2014.
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This will be the Americans’ 37th match at a men’s World Cup and the first time meeting the Netherlands.
The two sides of the United States men’s national team
Attention, USMNT – this is how you beat the Netherlands
High pressing, expansive and Cody Gakpo: What the U.S. can expect from the Netherlands
Nine minutes and 53 seconds: The excruciating final moments of the USMNT’s win over Iran
Ben Mee: How the USMNT defence should try to stop Cody Gakpo
Playing for Louis van Gaal: What USMNT can expect from a unique Netherlands coach
(Photo of Tim Ream: Dan Mullan / Getty Images)
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