After one of the most thrilling group stages in the history of the World Cup, the knockout matches began today with the Netherlands and USA commencing it as they face each other in the Round of 16.
Now coming into this game, both these sides were unbeaten in the tournament and hence it was difficult for all the football experts to predict a winner for this game. So when the game began, it was clear that these 2 sides would give their everything to go through the quarter-finals.
This was because it did not take long for the Americans to get their first major chance as Christian Pulisic was one on one with the keeper in the penalty box, but his shot was saved by Noopert and since that crucial save, USA knew that they would regret that miss.
Dutchmen have strong start
This is because the Dutch capitalised on that opportunity as in the 10th minute, their striker Memphis Depay gave his nation the lead, courtesy of a brilliant counter attack from Van Gaal’s team.
From then on it was a totally well-controlled game by Holland and due to that gameplay, they managed to double their lead just before halftime with a brilliant finish from Daley Blind. In the second half, the Americans had to have a miracle in order to win their match and they indeed started the second half very well.
They were constantly pressing and putting crosses in the Dutch penalty box, and due to this consistency, they wound a goal in the 76th-minute mark, courtesy from Wright. So since that moment, it was very possible that USA could clinch a goal in the last minutes and take the game to penalties and then hope for the best.
But Van Gaal’s side still remained calm and just 5 minutes later Dumfries scored an absolute stunner to give his nation a 2-goal cushion which sealed their victory and their spot in the quarter-finals. All in all, it was truly a fantastic match.
