FIFA World Cup 2022, Match 49: Netherlands qualify for Quarter-finals, thrash USA 3-1

On 3 December 2022, the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA World Cup kicked off. Netherlands locked horns with the USA at Khalifa International Stadium. The Netherlands came to this clash being unbeaten so far in the tournament (two wins and one draw).  They gathered seven points in three matches in Group A. 

On the other hand, the USA finished in the second position in Group B. They gathered five points in three games. So, fans were hoping for a great match between these sides. However, it was the first time when they were going to clash with each other in the World Cup. Until this match, these teams played five international friendlies where the Dutch won four times while the USA won only once. 

Netherlands thrashed the USA 3-1 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022

Speaking of the match, the USA started the game more brightly than the Dutch. In the third minute, the Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert managed an easy save against Christian Pulisic’s effort. Then, in the 10th minute, Memphis Depay gave the lead to the Netherlands. Denzel Dumfries came up with the assist. After that, Noppert again made a smart save when Timothy Weah had a shot in the 43rd minute. 

But, the Netherlands finished the game on high as they doubled the lead in the 45+1’ minute. Daley Blind scored the goal while Dumfries assisted him. Thus, the first half ended 2-0. In the second half, Weston McKennie had a chance in the 50th minute. He managed a head from the center while Pulisic assisted him with a cross. But, Noppert denied him again with ease. Then, Memphis Depay had a chance to extend the lead for the Dutch. But, the USA goalkeeper Matt Turner’s fingertip was enough to deny him.

Then, In the 75th minute, Dumfries came up with a goalline save to deny Haji Wright a golden chance to score. But, Wright scored in the following minute for the USA while Pulisic assisted him. However, the Dutch reacted quickly and scored the third goal in the 81st minute. Daley Blind provided the assist while Dumfries was the scorer. Finally, the game ended 3-1 in favor of the Dutch as they qualified for the quarter-finals.