Netherlands-United States round of 16 match presentation
In the first eighth-final Netherlands-United States, two teams that have shown unity in all departments in the qualifying rounds.
Holland presents itself with an attack that did very well in the first phase, Gapko, author of three goals, is the terminal. The defense leans on Van Dijk absolute leader of the team and with Dumfries who will try to demonstrate once again the value of him in the international arena. In midfield De Jong will be the point of reference from where the entire Dutch game will pass. Van Gaal as an old connoisseur of these competitions, will try to give his team the energy needed to face a match from inside or outside.
The United States, who were among the positive notes of the first phase, will rely on the midfield which has shown great quality and competitive spirit, starting with Captain Adms, director of all US actions, then Musah box to box across the board and McKennie who with his competitive spirit will certainly create difficulties for the Dutch. Up front, Pulesic’s class and talent will be essential to get around the Dutch defence.
Commentary on the Netherlands-United States match
Start of the match with the United States starting strong, first chance for Pulisic in the 3′, who finds the ball in the middle of a scrum in the penalty area, kicks hard but the Dutch goalkeeper blocks. The Netherlands responded immediately and in the 10th minute they took the lead with Depay, who filled in after an assist from Dumfries. The US pours into the Dutch half, but fails to sink the action.
In the 18th minute it’s still Holland with Blind kicking towards the US goal but the shot is weak. Again Depay who makes himself dangerous after receiving a pass from Van Dijk, his shot goes wide. In the 28th minute, Depay had a chance to serve a good ball to Dumfries from the opposite side, but his pass was intercepted by the American defenders.
In the 43rd minute there was a good chance for the Americans with Weah, who fired a strong shot from outside the area, which was blocked by goalkeeper Noppert. In the 44th minute it’s Dest who tries to be dangerous but his shot has no effect. In the 46th minute Holland doubled with Blind, he received an excellent assist from Dumfries, he kicked first and the ball went to goalkeeper Turner’s right corner.
Commentary on the second half of the Netherlands-United States
It starts again with the United States on the attack with McKennie serving Ream who doesn’t kick hard, Noppert rejects. In the 50th minute Zimmerman risks an own goal, the goalkeeper Turner rejects. In the 54th minute McKennie shot out of goal. In the 61st minute Depay kicks hard from outside but Turner deflects for a corner. In the 71st minute, double intervention by Turner who first blocks a strong shot by Koopmeiners and then saves Depay’s header.
On the 74th occasion for the United States with Wright, who jumped goalkeeper Noppert but it was Dumfries who saved on the goal line. In the 76th minute, the United States closed the gap with Wright after a touch near the goal line. 5 minutes go by and Holland scores their third goal in the 81st minute with Dumfries, who alone can kick undisturbed and score past Turner. In the 86th minute, the United States has an opportunity with Zimmerman for a bicycle kick but the ball goes wide. From now on the very tired United States are no longer able to create problems for the Dutch defense and the match ends after 6 minutes of added time.
The Netherlands-United States ends with a well-deserved victory for Holland who flies towards the quarterfinals, where they will meet the winner of the Argentina-Australia match. Overall good match from the Americans, but the class of the Dutch came out clearly. Worth noting is the excellent direction of the Brazilian referee Sanpaio, always attentive and precise in his decisions.
Follow us on social networks to stay updated on the latest World Cup news: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
