Doha, Qatar – The United States of america ready to compete against Netherlands in a World Cup round-of-16 match on Saturday, and while it is an occasion that will be special for all involved, for defender sergino destinationThis will hold additional importance.
Dest was born in the Dutch town of Almere, about 12 miles east of Amsterdam. he came through the famous ajax Academy and turned professional there. But thanks to his American father, Kenneth, Dest has played his international football with the US, so he will see plenty of familiar faces when the two sides line up on Saturday.
“I know almost every single guy out there,” Dest said Tuesday via a team spokesman. 1-0 win over Iran Which took America to the knockout round. “Yeah, it’s definitely going to be fun. I was born there, I speak the language, I know all these people. They want to go through this, but we have the same dream. It’s going to be a fight again.” Is.”
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Dest featured prominently against Iran. The Group B standings in the final round of games meant that the US had to win to advance, while Iran needed only a draw. As such, Iran was prepared to sit back and withstand the pressure and try to counterattack. And for the first 35 minutes of Tuesday’s match, America was banging its collective heads against Team Melli’s defense. The approach worked fine, but then America seemed content to play it safe. Something special needed to be done to break Iran.
That’s where dest came in. The US right-back began to take the initiative, wreaking havoc with a low cross past that goalkeeper in the 17th minute Alireza Baronvand Could only push, and followed with a dynamic run that ended with his shot being blocked. But the route to goal had been established, and it was with Dest’s help that the breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute. Weston McKenneyLofted pass out to Dest was headed across goal by a defender, allowing christian pulisic Stabbing and finishing from close range.
The US had to defend more in the second half, and endured tense moments, but a collective effort allowed them to see the game out and secure a massive win that sealed second place in Group B.
“I’m really proud of the boys,” Dest said. “The way we played all three games, we really fought for each other. We have a camaraderie. Iran was putting a little bit of pressure on us in the second half, but we got the job done. We’re happy. We can rest now.” can do.” ,
That the goal included Dest is no surprise. His attacking instincts have long been his biggest asset. And he has shown a knack for popping up for big plays in important games, such as his goal. Costa Rica in the World Cup qualifiers.
But there were problems going into the World Cup. Only 373 minutes logged for destination AC Milan in all competitions since being borrowed from barcelona in September. The move comes as Barcelona are struggling to balance their books. And in terms of his playing time at Milan, it didn’t help that his competition for the position, David Calabria, is the captain of Milan. Dest’s defense hasn’t always been consistent, even without worrying about accumulated rust, his positioning is also a concern. During his Barca days, then-manager Ronald Koeman insisted that Dest be offside in games too often.
“He needs to be more aggressive, he needs to focus more,” Koeman said in February of 2021following a Champions League encounter with Paris Saint Germain‘s kilian mbappe, “He had several periods in the game where he was not 100% focused.”
This has not been an issue in Qatar. Dest has been impressive on both sides of the ball this World Cup, including instances when he was isolated against Iran’s attackers. It’s been noted by the man in the best seat in the house to judge defenders: the American goalkeeper. matt turner,
Turner said, “He was incredible, flowing freely up and down the field.” “I think what I’ve noticed most about Sergino is that he always shows up defensively in big moments, and he’s tracking runners in the box really well.”
The same can be said about the entire American defense, which conceded only one goal and none from open play in their three group-stage matches. For US manager Greg Berhalter, it has been a collective effort although the backline has excelled. and full-back dest and antoine robinson Giving the manager what he wants.
Berhalter said, “The full-backs are doing a good job.” “We wish they were a little more aggressive today. And that helped us.” [Dest], So that’s a good thing. We need our full backs to be aggressive, and it was good that they showed that today.”
The Dutch have a talented squad, which top Group A with seven points, although there is a feeling that Louis van Gaal’s side have yet to hit top gear. The same can be said for the US team which only scored twice. But for now, Dest and his teammates can look forward to clashing with former teammates such as Ajax frankie de jong And jurian timber,
“I can’t wait to play the next match because it’s going to be a lot of fun playing against the country where I was born,” he added. “I have complete confidence.”
