FIFA World Cup: Netherlands vs USA, Preview and prediction
The Netherlands has slid into the knockout rounds without truly getting going during the group stage
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Image credit: SALive Image Team Oranje line up for a match.In their opening match against Senegal, they earned a good 2-0 victory thanks to two late goals, but against Ecuador, they could not capitalise on an early advantage and were ultimately relieved to close the game at 1-1. Even against the perennial underdogs Qatar, the anticipated goal-fest never materialised, as they could only score one goal in each half for a comfortable but lacklustre 2-0 victory.
Although the USA did not seal top spot, they did manage to finish Group B unbeaten, thanks to their well-organised and diligent approach. After being held to a tense 1-1 draw by Wales and being arguably the better team in their goalless draw with England, their final game against Iran—which they had to win—was again built on a solid defensive foundation, as Christian Pulisic slid in the game-winning goal shortly before half-time.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong will face the USA with the Dutch national team later today. Good luck! <a href="https://t.co/C9gkaNcEAY">pic.twitter.com/C9gkaNcEAY</a></p>— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarcaUniversal/status/1598965264078422016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Although the Netherlands will start as clear favourites, they would be well to keep in mind that the Americans have only let in one goal—and that goal was scored from the penalty spot. The Netherlands have also only conceded one goal, so it may be the determining factor. On the other end, Cody Gakpo and a healthy Memphis Depay, who both impressed in all three games, could prove too much for the US defence.
