Now that the group stages are done, it's on to the knockout rounds. The round of 16 begins on Saturday, as the Netherlands will take on the USMNT with a spot in the quarter-finals awaiting the victor. For the Netherlands, they come into this match having picked up seven points from their three group stage games, which was enough to help Louis Van Gaal's side to the top of Group A.
Cody Gakpo has been the breakout star for the Oranje, as he's netted in all three of his team's matches in this competition and could become the first Dutch player to score in four consecutive matches at a World Cup. The Netherlands' progress to the first knockout rounds maintains an impressive streak extending back to 1934, and in addition, the 2010 World Cup finalists have a strong track record against non-European countries in this competition.
Indeed, the Netherlands are unbeaten in their last 19 World Cup games against teams from outside of Europe, with 13 wins during that run. On paper, that doesn't bode well for the USMNT, who are winless in their last 11 World Cup meetings against European sides, and overall have won just three of their last 23 games in this competition against teams from Europe, with 13 losses during that time frame.
Gregg Berhalter's side secured their spot at this juncture thanks to a well-deserved 1-0 win against Iran on matchday three. The Stars and Stripes began proceedings with a one-all draw against Wales, before holding England to a scoreless stalemate to keep themselves in the running for a round of 16 place. While that will certainly have lifted the spirits in the USA camp, they will be facing a side who are unbeaten in their last 18 games across all competitions, and the USA's struggles against European teams in this competition is something that will be a source of concern.
The last time the USA beat a European team at a World Cup was back in 2002, and they have failed to win three of their last four knockout round games - all against European sides. With fitness concerns surrounding key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston Mckennie, the Stars and Stripes look set to have a really tough task ahead.
Team news: Netherlands vs USA
Netherlands: Both Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake will need to be very careful here, as they are in danger of being banned if they pick up another card here. Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong has reportedly recovered from an ankle injury and has returned to training, but isn't likely to be in the starting XI regardless.
USA: The Stars and Stripes will be closely monitoring the fitness of Christian Pulisic, who suffered a nasty injury that required him to be taken to the hospital after scoring the winner against Iran. The Chelsea player will naturally be eager to be back to action this weekend, and he should be expected to return to the starting XI. Weston McKennie and Josh Sargent are battling hamstring and ankle injuries respectively, but are expected to pass a late fitness test to feature.
Match facts: Netherlands vs USA
- Netherlands are unbeaten in their last 19 World Cup games against non-European countries (W13 D6)...
- ...meanwhile, the USA are winless in their last 11 World Cup games against European nations (D6 L5)
- The Stars and Stripes also have won just three of their 23 World Cup games against European sides (D7 L13)
- The most recent was a 3-2 win over Portugal in 2002, while the others were wins against England (1-0 in 1950) and Belgium in 1930
- Under Louis van Gaal, the Oranje have gone ten World Cup matches unbeaten (W7 D3) and have kept three clean sheets in all of their last three knockout appearances
- The USA have lost three of their last four World Cup round of 16 matches, and all three were against European teams
- The Netherlands have reached the quarter-finals or further in four of their last five World Cup appearances
- Cody Gakpo, who has scored three times so far for the Netherlands, could become the first player to score in four consecutive World Cup matches
Broadcast info: Netherlands vs USA
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