World Cup 2022: Don’t Count US Out Against the Dutch

Netherlands vs USA

The World Cup 2022 is now heading to the round of 16, and to kick off the knockout stage, the Netherlands and the United States will clash at the Khalifa International Stadium.

The Dutch win Group A without much difficulty, and the World Cup 2022 odds will have them favoured to move on to the quarter-finals for the fifth time in their last six World Cup finals appearances.

However, they must not underestimate the US, who finished runners-up in Group B and held top World Cup contenders England to a draw.

Talking Points

Underwhelming Dutch need Depay to deliver

The Netherlands did not have too many problems winning what was quite a weak Group A as they went undefeated and won two of their three games.

Although, the Dutch did not look all too dominant either. They needed two late goals to get by a Sadio Mane-less Senegal; were held to just two shots in a 1-1 draw against Ecuador; and had a tame 2-0 win over hosts Qatar, who were arguably the weakest team in the tournament.

Despite Cody Gakpo’s brilliance – the 23-year-old has scored in all three group games, tied for the lead in the Golden Boot race – there are still significant concerns about the Netherlands in attack. Star striker Memphis Depay (42 goals in 82 caps) made his first start against Qatar, but he has been short of form and fitness, which has limited the Oranje’s offensive potential.

Davy Klaassen has done his part with one goal and two assists during the group stage, but the Dutch need Depay closer to his best in the knockout stage.

On the other end of the pitch, the Dutch defence – with a back three of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, and Jurrien Timber – looked quite decent as they conceded just one goal. Granted, they did not face the stiffest of competition, especially with Mane out. But they are well-organised and will be difficult to break down.

US midfielders make their mark, but strikers banged up

The USMNT are through to the knockout stage for the third straight World Cup finals they’ve made. They finished as runners-up to England in Group B as they drew their first two games before winning their big final match against Iran.

The United States’ matches have not been all that high-scoring; there were only three goals in their three group games as they scored two and conceded one. But Gregg Berhalter’s side have been high in effort and intensity, which has been crucial to their success, particularly on defence.

The midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah has done an exceptional job shielding the backline thus far. They were particularly excellent against England as they held the star-studded Three Lions scoreless.

Meanwhile, the American attack has been doing just about enough. Star forward Christian Pulisic came through for them as he scored the winning goal against Iran, although he injured himself in the process. Pulisic said he will be ready in time to face the Netherlands, but stay tuned to the World Cup 2022 updates to be sure.

Starting striker Josh Sargent, who was one of the team’s standout performers against Iran, is also bit of a question mark after he too came off with an injury. Berhalter turned to Haji Wright to start in place of Sargent against England, and he will likely be called upon again if Sargent is not.

History

The Netherlands and the US have met five times previously, all of which were international friendlies. The Dutch had won the first four before the US won 4-3 in their most recent meeting in 2015. The USMNT came from 3-1 down as they three times in the last 20 minutes, including two in the last three.

In terms of the World Cup, the Netherlands have a terrific record in the knockout stage. They have reached at least the quarter-finals in four of the last five World Cup finals they have taken part in.

As for the US, they had reached the round of 16 three times since 1994, but they have made the last eight just once – in 2002.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have the Netherlands installed as 1.95 favourites over the underdog USA, who are priced at 4.00 to pull off the upset. A draw is 3.25.

In all honesty, this round of 16 match is not shaping up to be one of the most exciting. Both teams have excellent defences – just one goal conceded each – and have star forwards who are banged up, so don’t expect too many goals in this game.

There’s a decent chance this tie goes into extra time, but the safer bet is likely for the total to go under 2.50 goals.

 

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