Netherlands vs United States, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Netherlands vs United States Match Prediction & Analysis

The 2022 World Cup reaches its first knockout game, with the Netherlands and United States taking on the challenge of becoming a Quarter Finalist. 

Netherlands have showed glimpses of their abilities throughout this tournament so far, with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Van Dijk and the returning Memphis Depay impressing.

They have not been as easy on the eye as in previous tournaments, however. Louis van Gaal has set up his side to be organised, rather than free-flowing, and we have yet to see how they’d respond to going behind in a game.

As for their opponents, the United States relied on a narrow victory over Iran in their final game to see them through, displacing the Middle Eastern nation in 2nd place. England topped Group B and will face Senegal.

The USA, despite possessing some highly talented, quick, skilful players, haven’t quite shown their full potential yet.

With only two goals from their three games, they haven’t found their feet going forward. However, like the Netherlands, they’ve also remained undefeated, so something must give here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Netherlands Preview

FIFA Ranking: 8

Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Cody Gakpo has been one of the players of the tournament so

     Just one goal conceded so far

Reasons to be fearful:

     Haven’t set the world alight with only eight shots on target

     USA’s pacey attack could cause one or two problems

The Netherlands have made it to yet another knockout stage at the World Cup, doing so by topping their group.

In truth, it never looked in doubt. Despite their blip against Ecuador, a 1-1 draw, their three opponents in Group A offered very little to challenge their route to the top spot.

They’ve continued their remarkable streak of progressing to the Round of 16 at every World Cup they’ve appeared at since 1932. They’ve only been eliminated at this stage twice in that time too.

One or two of their star players have come to the fore. Alongside Gakpo, Frenkie de Jong has looked as assured as ever, while having Depay fit again is a huge plus. 

Louis van Gaal’s main concern will be keeping the USA’s flair players quiet. Do that, and they’ll be confident of reaching the Quarters.

Star Man – Cody Gakpo

The young star is now the joint-top scorer at the tournament, alongside Rashford, Mbappe, Valencia and Morata. With top clubs across Europe looking to sign him, his transfer fee will increase with every performance.

United States Preview

FIFA Ranking: 16

Predicted Finish: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful

     Remained unbeaten in the group stage

     Beat the Netherlands as recently as 2015

Reasons to be fearful

     Haven’t beaten a European nation in the World Cup since 2002

     Just one win from their last six in all competitions

The USA usually threaten to be dark horses at the World Cup, causing a stir or two along the way. Unfortunately, it rarely progresses deep into the tournament.

Indeed, they usually go out at the Round of 16, judging by their exits at this stage at both the 2010 and 2014 tournaments. 

They last reached the Quarter Finals in 2002 which, coincidentally, was the last time they claimed victory over a European nation at a World Cup.

Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic are the two goalscorers for the USA so far at this tournament – the latter will face a late fitness test after being injured in the act of scoring against Iran.

Star Man – Tim Weah

The pacey forward has caused defences problems so far at this tournament, but he’ll have his work cut out getting past Virgin van Dijk here.