Doha: The Khalifa International Stadium danced in joy and disappointment as a beautiful game of football panned out. Denzel Dumfries scored a goal and assisted two as the Netherlands defeated the Americans 3-1. Haji Wright scored a single goal for the Star and the Stripes.
Also Read: The 100 Goals Club: Which teams have scored 100 goals in FIFA World Cup?
Years ago, Johan Cruyff started the system of total football. The Dutch took a leaf from Cruyff’s masterclass. They played diligently, as they went in for the prey. The total football earned the Dutch the first delight of the match. After a lot of passing and calculating, Dumfries passed the Al-Rihla to Memphis Depay. Matt Turner could only peer on as the Barcelona forward buried the goal in the left bottom corner.
Except for the early chance by Pulisic at 3′, the USA could not do much play. The Stars and Stripes tried hard but not as much as was required for a goal. Just as half-time was about to be called, the Dutch struck again.
D Dumfries broke through the American defense at 45+1′. He ran through the right flank into the area and called back to Daley Blind. Blind took no chance and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The US hit back their first of the game at 70′ with Haji Wright shooting Pulisic assist past Noppert.
Denzel Dumfries carved one for his own in the 81st minute. Dumfries put Blind’s cross into the bottom corner to seal USA’s fate at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The Dutch played an excellent match, taking control and entertaining the audiences with subtle passes and extravagant goals. They had a challenging opponent who tried their best to win the match. Louis Van Gaal’s men did an excellent job by playing a total football system effectively.
Also Read: Mason Mount tells his life story with beautifully carved tattoos over his body
The Dutch will face the winner of tonight’s other fixture, Argentina vs Australia in the QFs. The Americans will rest for now until the chase for another glory. The USA starts the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League on 23rd March against Grenada.
Who will win Argentina vs Australia fixture? Can the Socceroos pull off another victory?
