[ad_1]
AL RAYYAN, Qatar — The US men’s national team are out of the 2022 World Cup after falling 3-1 to the Netherlands in a round-of-16 match-up.
First half goals from Memphis Depay and Daley Blind — both assisted by Denzel Dumfries — staked the Dutch to a lead they would never relinquish. The US pulled a goal back in the 76th minute through Haji Wright, and piled on the pressure, but Dumfries added the clincher in the 81st minute to give the Netherlands some needed breathing room.
For the US, it was a disappointing performance given the team’s success in getting out of the group stage, and the talented-though-young group of players at manager Gregg Berhalter’s disposal.
Now the US will look to point to 2026 when it will co-host the World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
JUMP TO: Player ratings | Best/worst performers | Highlights and notable moments | Postmatch quotes | Key stats | Upcoming fixtures
Rapid reaction
1. Dumfries on fire as Dutch execute near perfect tactical plan
The USA entered this game brimming with confidence, having reached the knockout stages with the second-youngest team in the tournament. That confidence was enhanced by the perception that this Netherlands side was maybe not up to the standards set by their predecessors that had reached three World Cup finals, the last of which was in 2014.
But the Dutch showed the gap in quality that still exists between the two sides.
Dutch manager Louis van Gaal’s tactical game plan was ruthlessly effective. The Dutch were content to let the US have possession and then attack in transition once possession was gained. It had the effect of asking the US to do things it wasn’t good at, namely breaking down an organized defense. It also accentuated some of the Netherlands’ strengths, that of using…
[ad_2]
