Fifa World Cup: Results and reactions from day thirteen
The Netherlands face the USA as the World Cup knockout stage begins in Qatar. The opening last-16 clash of the tournament sees the winners of Group A, the Netherlands, take on the runners-up of Group B, the USA, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
It’s been an unpredictable World Cup so far, perhaps the most ever following a chaotic group stage, and both of these teams will be looking to defy the odds and embark on a deep tournament run. Louis van Gaal’s Dutch side have faced criticism back home for the manner in which they finished ahead of Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar in Group A, with the goals of breakout star forward Cody Gakpo so far being their lone bright spark.
The USA, meanwhile, are daring to dream after battling past Iran to qualify behind England in Group B. Christian Pulisic has been cleared to face the Netherlands after he was injured while scoring the winner against Iran, while the USA will look to cause the Dutch problems with their energy and physicality in midfield. The USA have not made it past the last-16 of a men’s World Cup since 2002.
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World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA
Sloppy from the US defensively for the second goal – but it’s clincal from Daley Blind!
A lot of work to do for the United States in the second-half.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:57
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA
HALF-TIME: The Netherlands two goals up in this last-16 tie!
Memphis Depay and Daley Blind the goalscorers with two brilliant goals, but the United States have had their openings too!
It’s far from done yet… but the Dutch in control.
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:49
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA (Blind 45+1)
GOAL! The Netherlands double their lead – and it’s Daley Blind!
It’s all too easy – almost a carbon copy of the first goal! Dumfries’ cross from the right is met by the right foot of Blind, who strikes into the corner beyond Turner!
The Dutch in charge – very much against the run of play!
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:47
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA
45 mins: Dest just couldn’t finish right at the end!
It’s a brilliant run by the USA right back – he surges into the box but he just can’t get clean contact on his finish!
The Dutch need half-time now! One minute of added-time at the end of the first-half…
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:46
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA
43 mins: Great strike from Timothy Weah!
Noppert saves well from the US striker’s powerful long-range strike – terrific hit!
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:44
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA
42 mins: It’s a poor layoff from Pulisic at the end there!
Weah surges down the right and with his back to goal, Pulisic looks to lay-off Robinson but it skids wide – with the left back unable to fashion anything with the cross.
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:43
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA
39 mins: Pulisic is too slow at getting a cross in there – Dumfries clears comfortably.
Why have the US slowed the pace of the game so much?!
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:40
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA
34 mins: Not too sure why, but the United States have really slowed down the tempo of this match, and are struggling to fashion any chances now against this very low and narrow Dutch block.
Works for the Netherlands, given the pace of Depay and Gakpo on the counter. Just over 10 to go…
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:36
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA
29 mins: Gakpo’s first corner is headed over by Van Dijk via a deflection, and his second corner is headed clear by the United States.
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:30
World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA
28 mins: De Jong finds Depay down the left and up against Zimmerman, the US defender does well to hold hid ground and get a foot in!
Netherlands do have a corner though…
Kieran Jackson3 December 2022 15:29