United States of america were knocked out of the World Cup on Saturday after losing 3-1 against Netherlands In the round of 16.
The Dutch displayed their firepower with two goals in the first half, making the young American side an insurmountable mountain to climb. Despite halving deficit in second half, US comeback hopes crushed denzel dumfries The third blow to the Netherlands and Greg Berhalter’s team was eliminated from the tournament.
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He almost gave America an early lead Tyler Adams‘ Flicks the pass in back but his left footed strike is suppressed andries knoppert,
The US made a promising start but failed to capitalize on their chances and were penalized as the Netherlands took a goalless lead before 10 minutes.
Free-flowing, one-touch-buildup play saw the ball working for Dumfries on the right wing. His first-time ball was cut back to Memphis Depay, who sent a neat finish past matt turner And in the far corner.
US captain Tyler Adams said that the lack of experience hindered the US against a more experienced team.
“That’s the kind of sport that obviously marginalises,” Adams said. “And when you play a team with that kind of quality and you give them three, four chances they’re going to put three or four away.”
There was optimism for the United States ahead of the match when concerns about Christian Pulisic’s fitness were put to rest as the Chelsea forward was named in Berhalter’s starting lineup despite suffering an injury against Iran on Tuesday.
While Louis Van Gaal was criticized for the side’s conservative style of play, he conceded only once in their opening three matches. Goalkeeper Knoppert had to be alert to maintain his strong defensive record and on 43 minutes he kept out a powerful effort by Tim Weah from 20 yards.
But as the US found a good tempo, the Dutch went down the other end and doubled their lead just seconds before the end of the first half.
Dumfries probed again down the right before delivering a quick ball to Daly Blind, who struck right-footed first time past Turner.
In the second half Berhalter’s side Tim Ream off the line on the first attempt Weston McKenney Hit on
With time running out and America’s chances of a comeback looming, the Netherlands put the game out of reach. Turner had to provide an excellent double save to prevent Ten Copeminersshot first steven bergwijnNext header of.
Turner’s heroics gave hope to the US and they halved their deficit with 14 minutes to play, thanks to a bizarre goal Haji Wright,
The ever-present Pulisic threw the ball to Wright who, under pressure, unorthodoxly flicked the ball over his foot and looped his finish over Toing Knoppert’s head.
However, the optimism for the United States was short-lived, as Dumfries complemented his earlier two assists with an own goal to ensure victory for Van Gaal’s side.
Blind found space to turn a perfect left foot cross to the back post where Dumfries was lurking to fire home.
Adams said the match showed the forward progress of the American team.
“And I’m very proud of the boys’ performance for us today,” Adams said. “We can show that we can hang with the best teams in the world, some of the best players in the world.
“And that’s a lot of progress for US Soccer. We’re definitely moving in the right direction, but we need to keep going because we’re not there yet but we’re close.”
“It’s exciting, the more time together there should be more development. But having said that we still need to develop more mature players individually for moments like this so that we can come out on top.”
American coach Greg Berhalter praised his team fiercely.
“It’s a tough one to handle, it’s such a good group of guys, such a close-knit group of guys and we came up short today but not for lack of trying, not for lack of effort,” he said. “I think the players gave everything they had in this game and unfortunately we lost.
