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United States vs Netherlands
The United States were back in the round of 16 for the first time since 2014 when a dominant performance from Tim Howard was not enough to keep Belgium at bay. This time for the Americans it would be the Netherlands. Many USMNT fans entered this match feeling confident and feeling like this group of players can take out the Dutch.
Starting XI:
Matt Turner
Tim Ream
Walker Zimmerman
Antonee Robinson
Sergino Dest
Tyler Adams
Weston McKennie
Yunus Musah
Jesus Ferreira
Christian Pulisic
Timothy Weah
Entering this match many were excited for Pulisic to be able to play yet confused on why Ferreira was starting the match with no minutes in this World Cup. Many called this move a mistake and not starting players like Gio Reyna or Aaronson.
The match started with dominant American possession which they would own and control the entire match. The chances for the USMNT this entire tournament has come from the flanks and that's the first thing the Dutch closed off forcing them to play down the middle while they clogged the passing lanes. There was not one through ball behind the Dutch defense the entire match, it was a lot of possession but a whole lot of nothing.
Pulisic had a golden opportunity five minutes in which would've set the tone of the match but didn't get a clean strike and missed the chance.
All three goals from the Dutch national team were exactly the same as they caught the American defense flat footed and napping. The goal scorers for the Netherlands would be Memphis Depay, Daley Blind, and Denzel Dumfries. Substitution Haji Wright would get one back for the Americans late in the match but it was not enough.
The Netherlands didn't play particularly better, they just took advantage of the three chances that were given to them. The ability to be able to finish opportunities was the main difference and is the main difference between major teams and the United States. The quality and chances is there but they do not have a clinical finisher or striker on the roster. The gap has closed and if they add that to this group then I can see them going far.
The country is proud of this national team and are excited for the future. I am sure 2026 on our home soil will be even better for this squad.
Written by: Daniel Torres
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