Netherlands beat US for a WC quarter-final place

Denzel Dumfries set up the first two goals and netted a decisive third to ensure a 3-1 victory for the Netherlands over the United States (US) and a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup (WC) quarter-finals, thwarting its opponent’s efforts at a late comeback at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Saturday.

Dumfries ended any hopes the Americans had of staging a rescue act after they had gone 2-0 down at half time, but the US fought back to reduce the deficit through Haji Wright in the 76th minute.

The Dutch had looked to be comfortably in command of the opening Round of 16 tie in front of 44,846 spectators with two goals scored in similar fashion as Dumfries crossed from the right for Depay to net first in the 10th minute, and then Blind on the stroke of halftime.

But Wright pulled a goal back to offer the Americans hope of a comeback. That lasted only five minutes, however, before Dumfries sealed a Man-of-the-Match performance with his 81st-minute goal, tucking away Blind’s cross from the left.

The Dutch survived an early scare when Christian Pulisic found himself free, and onside, with just the goalkeeper to beat but Noppert, the tallest man at the World Cup, stuck out his right leg to deny a shock opener.

The response from the Netherlands was swift. A series of 20 slick passes ended with Dumfries squaring the ball from right, pulling it back into the path of Depay, who delayed his run into the American penalty box and was unmarked as he smacked home the opener.

The lively start was quickly replaced with a more languid passage of play, the Dutch sitting back as they waited for counterattack chances.

That presented an opportunity for the Americans with Noppert forced to save again from Timothy Weah’s driving shot and Sergio Dest breaking through the defence but unable to get the ball out from under his feet and missing a good opportunity near the end of the first half. (C.D)