Netherlands vs USA: 2022 World Cup, Round of 16, Match Preview and Predictions

Netherlands vs USA on Saturday afternoon in the first round of 16 tie at the 2022 World Cup.

Match Details:

• Location: Al-Rayyan, Qatar
• Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
• Date: Saturday 3 December
• Kick-off Time: 8:30 PM IST
• Watch: Sports 18/HD, Jio Cinema App

Netherlands vs USA: Match Preview:

While the opponent is an established European power with proven World Cup pedigree, it's still a soft draw considering they have avoided seeing the likes of Brazil, France, Argentina, Spain, or any other top tournament favorite.

The U.S. have only advanced past the Round of 16 once in World Cup history, with that win coming against CONCACAF rivals Mexico in 2002, meaning they have never beaten a non-North American team in the World Cup knockout stage.

If ever there was a chance to do so, now seems to be that time. The Netherlands were unbeaten through group stage play as well, but looked shaky at times, especially against Ecuador who pressed them into oblivion, as the Dutch were lucky to escape with a point.

Still, Louis van Gaal's side is on a spectacular 18-match unbeaten run, and the U.S. will need its best performance of the tournament to advance in historic fashion.

Team News:

Netherlands:

Memphis Depay was fit enough to make his first start in Qatar against the host nation on Tuesday. The Barcelona forward lasted 66 minutes before Van Gaal rested him, managing the minutes of a player on his way back from a lengthy hamstring injury.

USA:

Pulisic scored the United States' winning goal against Iran but injured himself in the process. The Chelsea forward quelled concerns from his hospital bed when he posted an update after the match: "I'll be ready Saturday, don't worry."

However, a spokesperson for nation's football association warned that the "pelvic contusion" Pulisic suffered would be evaluated "day-to-day".

Josh Sargent and Weston McKennie were forced off against Iran with ankle and quad injuries respectively. Sargent's problem is thought to be more severe but the involvement of both is uncertain

Netherlands vs USA: Head to Head:

The Netherlands have an impressive record against the USA and have won four out of the five matches that have been played between the two teams, as opposed to the USA's one victory.

The most recent meeting between the two teams took place in a friendly in 2015 and produced a sensational 4-3 victory for the USA.

The Netherlands are unbeaten in their last 19 FIFA World Cup matches against non-European nations, with their previous such defeat coming against Brazil in 1994.

The USA are winless in their last 11 FIFA World Cup games against European nations, with their previous such victory coming by a 3-2 scoreline against Portugal in 2002.

Predicted Line-ups:

Netherlands Starting 11 (3-4-1-2): Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, F De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay.
Bench: Bijlow, Pasveer, Frimpong, Malacia, De Ligt, De Vrij, Taylor, Koopmeiners, Berghuis, Bergwijn, Janssen, Lang, Simons, L De Jong, Weghorst.

USA Starting 11 (4-3-3): Turner; Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Wright, Pulisic.
Bench: Horvath, Johnson, Long, Zimmerman, Moore, Scally, Yedlin, Acosta, Roldan, De la Torre, Aaronson, Reyna, Morris, Ferreira, Sargent.

NED vs USA: Dream11 Predictions:

Dream11 will be updated soon.

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