Netherlands beat USA, advance to World Cup quarter-final

Ayomikun Elemikan Sports 03/12/2022

Bouyed by the scintillating Denzel Dumfries, Netherlands have booked their place in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup, NRTC reports.

The European side beat their United States counterparts 3-1 at the Khalifa international stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Inter Milan fullback Dumfries scored and assisted two other goals in what was a brilliant outing for the 26-year-old. The US’ solitary goal was converted by substitute Haji Wright.

Denzel Dumfries scored once and created two assists in Netherlands’ 3-1 win over USA in the World Cup (Image: @DenzelJMD2)

The game saw Netherlands, unbeaten throughout the group stages, favourites over the Americans. Oranje didn’t disappoint bookmakers when striker Memphis Depay put his team ahead in the 10th minute, off a Dumfries assist.

With chances pouring in and the US defense seemingly shaky, a second was destined to come. It did come in first half added time when Dumfries yet again provided another goal. Versatile Ajax player, Daley Blind, 32, netted after fine work from his teammate to put Netherlands 2-0 up.

At the resume of the second half, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) tried their best to get back into the game but were not threatening the Dutch side as much as they would have wanted to.

Daley Blind scored and ran to the bench to celebrate with his father – Danny Blind – who is the assistant coach to Louis van Gaal and featured at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups (Image: @UsherKomugisha)

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Substitutes impress

Gregg Berhalter sent on the likes of 20-year-old Giovanni Reyna and Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin to turn things around. Wright was also introduced and these introductions yielded positive result. The Antalyaspor forward pulled one back in the 76th minute after he was assisted by Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic.

Five minutes later, Dumfries scored a goal of his, this time Blind was the provider, to put the game beyond their opponents’ reach. Netherlands saw out the game to ensure they will feature in the quarter-final of the World Cup.

Don’t have it now but there’s hope for the future

The US team lacked discipline at the back. Indeed, the team boasts of amazing talents but these players are quite raw and haven’t been able to command fear and dominate like world beaters. Going forward, the team clearly needs a strong defensive setup and a top finisher.

USMNT have a bright future and I wish them all the best as they bow out with their heads held high. Just like the Netherlands, they did not also lose any group match. For the Dutch team, it’s massive congratulations and they now await the winner of the Argentina-Australia match in the quarter finals.