The Netherlands became the first nation to qualify for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Saturday. Beating USA 3-1 in round of 16.
Memphis Depay (10.) and Daley Blind (45.+1) made it 2-0 at half-time at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. Haji Wright (76.) scored in the second half. Denzel Dumfries (81.), assisted on the first two goals, soon crushed American hopes.
The Orange came out well early in the game. Pulisic head-butted Nobert through the legs of the Dutch goalkeeper. In the tenth minute, Dumfries found teammate Depay with a measured cross, which FC Barcelona attacker Lether put into the bottom left corner. Weah tested Nobert at the other end with a long shot. Blind made it 2-0 before half-time when he again tapped in Dumfries’ pass.
Ream almost scored the tying goal early in the second half when Kakpo turned his effort in front of the line. Again a Dumfries cross sowed unrest in the Americans’ backline, with goalkeeper Turner keeping out Zimmerman’s own goal. The Netherlands looked to be in a seat, but Debe almost helped the USA with a poor back pass. After little control, Wright had to spin wide and Dumfries had a goal saved. A few minutes later it was 2-1. Wright deflected a cross from Pulisic, caprioling the ball into goal. But Louis van Gaal’s team responded quickly: Blind crossed to Dumfries, who hit the ball against the ropes moments later. America can no longer make a fist.
Next Friday, the Orange will play the winner of the match between Argentina and Australia in the quarter-finals.
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