Tuesday’s dramatic 1-0 win Iran Was just the ticket for the US as they finished second in Group B england And so he sealed his place in the round of 16. However, there’s a more potentially intriguing opponent ahead: the Netherlandstopped Group A by defeating Senegal and host nation Queue in group a
The two will face off at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday (10am ET) to see who advances to the quarterfinals, where the winner will face off. Argentina either Australia on that side of the bracket. Can America keep this momentum going? Or will the Dutch, led by trader Frankie de Jong from midfield, put an end to that dream?
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ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and ESPN Netherlands’ Bob Ligthart break down Saturday’s game.
What has worked for the US in this World Cup? What else is not?
If every team in the World Cup was judged on the basis of how they performed in the first half alone, the United States of america Will be considered one of the best teams in the tournament.
On a per/first half basis, he ranks No. 5 in chances created (5.3), No. 10 in xG (0.7) and No. 6 in goals (0.7). Defensively, it has not conceded and has allowed only one first-half shot on goal. This is largely a credit to Greg Berhalter’s tactics and team selection, but mainly to the midfield trio. Tyler Adams, Yunus Musa And Weston McKenneyWhich is being praised from every corner of the world. America’s midfield has been almost impossible to play in the opening games, even as the England midfield has been nullified Jude Bellingham And mason mount In that 0-0 draw.
However, the US’s performance after halftime in each game has been very poor. Looking at the same stats above for the second half, the US is No. 29 in chances (2.3), No. 30 in xG (0.2) and one of just four teams not to score. The drop off defensively isn’t as sharp as the only goal allowed came on a penalty, but opposing teams have six second-half shots on goal and their xG is more than tripled.
Part of this is due to game state. against wales and Iran, the US were defending a lead in the second half and took a more defensive approach – especially against Iran, when they went five-in-the-back in the 82nd minute (with 10 minutes of stoppage time). However, what was clear during each game was that when McKennie and Moses began to tire, everything else suffered. and besides walker zimmermanEntering against Iran – he entered the game in the 82nd minute and was a vocal, dominant force in the air – not a single substitute made a tangible positive impact. — Bonagura
What has worked for the Netherlands in this World Cup? What else is not?
If you are asking about whether the Dutch are living up to expectations, the reality is that they are underperforming. their group stage matches (against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar) were considered dull and more like “walking football” – the opposite of what they usually try to show during the World Cup, where they aim to play fun, aggressive and enjoyable football.
The Dutch turned out to be the biggest spark of fun and energy kodi gakpo, He was a superstar from the group stage to Louis van Gaal. The striker, who has also been used as an attacking midfielder in Qatar, scored in all three group matches, becoming the fourth player in history to score in three consecutive World Cup matches after Johan Neeskens (1974), Dennis Bergkamp (1974) Became Dutchman. 1994) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
andries knoppertVan Gaal’s choice as goalkeeper also turns out to be a smart pick Diamonds The keeper conceded only one goal. With a height of 6 foot 8, he is the tallest player in the World Cup and he was at his best against their toughest opponents, Senegal. Yet this strong defense depends on who is playing in front of it: the centre-back trio virgil van dijk, Nathan AK And jurian timber (either matthijs de ligt) is solid and hasn’t encountered many problems.
The issue most in need of adjustment is the midfield, which has been Van Gaal’s biggest headache in Qatar: only De Jong can surely count on a starting spot.
Van Gaal has also been purposeful in not bringing players into the squad. memphis depeFor example, only started in the last group match because he brought a minor injury with him to the World Cup. Lucky for him and for the Dutch fans, this team looks fit and healthy just in time for the grueling knockout stage. — Ligthart
1:18
Christian Pulisic updated the status of his health ahead of the USMNT’s Round of 16 clash with the Netherlands.
Where will the game be won and lost?
It is fair to say that neither side has been able to consistently create good scoring opportunities. The main difference is that the Dutch have Gakpo and the US don’t really have anyone who has — and not only in this World Cup, but in the past months — shown the ability to consistently finish off tough chances. So, not much should change for the US when it comes to their defensive approach (zero goals allowed from open play!), but they need to pay special attention to the PSV star.
I don’t think any opposing team is going to score; Rather, it will come down to which team is able to capitalize on momentary breakdowns or which individual players can build on their own.
That’s a tense, well-balanced dynamic, so “The Case of the Missing Xiao” is kind of telling. only christian pulisic – who was last seen walking off the field before going to the hospital – Geo is in Reyna’s class when it comes to being able to change nothing.
It is hard to allow the possibility that he made no more than brief cameos against England due to injury, but let’s go ahead and assume he is available. Why not let him play as No.9? josh sargent Put in a working variation against Iran trying to hold the ball up, but Reyna can do just as well – if not better – and is more of a threat. Maybe his pressure isn’t what Berhalter wants, but Haji Wright Appeared lost even when that instruction arrived. — Bonagura
Both teams have solid defense, so as Kyle said, the question is who can create the scoring opportunities. The Netherlands have already used most of their squad at this World Cup, particularly in midfield, although there are many variations depending on the opponent. Van Gaal has tried an aggressive, attacking midfield and a more defensive set-up. Against the closed defense of the United States, an offensive approach combined with creativity in midfield can be the key to success.
Memphis Depay is fit again and is expected to start as one of the two strikers. The question is whether Van Gaal chooses steven bergwijn One uses Gakpo as a second striker and attacking midfielder, or uses Gakpo as that second striker like he did against Qatar. If Van Gaal goes the other way, steven barguis And Davy Klassen Can provide an offensive impulse in midfield, leaving De Jong free to create and take his passes.
The fitness of the teams is also an important factor. Van Gaal had earlier indicated that his team would be fit in time for the knockout stage after being able to rest some key players against Qatar. Meanwhile, the U.S. is coming off a grueling game against Iran in which Pulisic suffered a “pelvic injury” — he is day-to-day in terms of getting ready for Saturday — and most are looking for the best of U.S. coach Greg Berhalter. The players took part in it. heavy work.
The Netherlands should tackle it smartly and let the opponent get tired; This way, they can make a difference later in the game if necessary. — Ligthart
predictions
US 1, Netherlands 1: US advance on penalties. The Dutch have better talent and better history, but at no point in the group stage have they looked like a team ready for a deep run. However, America is brimming with confidence and has a chance to pull off the most famous win of all time. — Bonagura
US 0, Netherlands 2. I think Netherlands will win the match 2-0. Van Gaal’s team haven’t done well yet, but have given a little too much. Gakpo flees and Memphis is back just in time for the business end of the tournament. This team is ready to rest. — Ligthart
