(Football news) Netherlands will take on the USA in 2022 World Cup’s first Round of 16 fixture at the Khalifa International Stadium. Louis Van Gaal’s side topped Group A while the Stars and Stripes finished second in Group B behind England. Netherlands have had a dominant start to the World Cup, securing seven points in three games while Cody Gakpo became player in the country’s history to score in three consecutive World Cup matches.
There have been concerns about Louis Van Gaal’s tactics as Netherlands have only had 8 shots on target but have been clinical in front of goal. By winning Group A, Netherlands continued their record of progressing into the Round of 16 of every single World Cup since 1934 and they have been eliminated only twice at this stage, in 1990 and 2006 but will be the favourites against the USA. Since their defeat to the Czech Republic in Euro 2020, the Netherlands have gone on a 18 game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Van Gaal also has the opportunity to secure his 11th World Cup game without defeat, only behind second-placed Mario Zagallo and first place Felipe Scolari (12 games).
As for the USA, they went into the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2014 but were eliminated and reached the quarter-finals back in 2002. However, their record against European teams is mediocre, drawing six and losing five since 2002 and their three previous knockout games against European teams have ended in defeat. That being said, this has been a tournament of surprises and upsets, which means that anything can happen after kick off and Gregg Berhalter’s side have a chance of winning, however slim it might be. USA’s win against Iran was their first in six games across all competitions but they recorded a stunning 4-3 victory over the Netherlands in 2015, coming from 3-1 down to win.
In team news, Jeremie Frimpong is doubtful after recently recovering from an injury but Denzel Dumfries is expected to feature in the startling lineup for the Netherlands. Van Gaal’s side should be at full strength and it won’t be a surprise to see an unchanged lineup against the USA. Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake could miss out on the quarter-finals (if they progress) should they receive yellow cards in this match while Gakpo will aim to become the first Dutch player to score in four consecutive World Cup games.
As for the USA, Josh Sargent is expected to be unavailable due to an ankle injury while Weston McKennie is dealing with a quad injury. However, Berhalter does not have any other injury problems and could potentially name an unchanged lineup from the previous match. A straightforward victory for the Netherlands seems to be the most likely result from this fixture, especially considering that USA’s McKennie and Pulisic are not 100% fit.
Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, F. De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay
USA possible starting lineup:
Turner; Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic
Also read: 2022 World Cup: All the hits and misses from the Group Stage
