Netherlands vs USA: World Cup 2022 – LIVE!
Louis van Gaal will lead the Netherlands into the knockout phases of the World Cup for the second time in his career today as the Oranje bid for a place in the final eight against the USA. Semi-finalists in 2014, van Gaal’s side might not always prove overly convincing, but do boast one of the most experienced managers in the game.
The USA, meanwhile, are one of the youngest teams in the tournament and have impressed. While eyes will surely be on their joint-hosting in 2026, they could make a real statement by beating one of Europe’s powerhouses in a knockout game. Having proven against England they are no easy touch, this would be another huge step.
Today’s meeting at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium is the first of the knockout games as the business end of the tournament gets underway. Follow all of the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog, Nizaar Kinsella will be providing expert analysis from the ground!
Live updates
Pulisic delivers hospital update after injury while scoring for USA
Christian Pulisic was in good spirits after suffering a painful-looking injury as he scored the winning goal for the USA at the World Cup.
The United States defeated Iran 1-0 on Tuesday to book their place in the last-16 although Chelsea forward Pulisic was unable to celebrate the first-half strike.
Bundled into the net as he scored, the 24-year-old looked very worse for wear and was substituted.
USA boss Gregg Berhalter later revealed Pulisic had been taken to hospital, which is where the player himself provided an update on his injury.
Read the full story here!
Gakpo the standout in a Netherlands side short of masters
The Netherlands may have coasted into the last 16, but they have so far flown under the radar at this World Cup.
That is partly down to their style of play under manager Louis van Gaal, which has been labelled “boring” by the Dutch press and like “grinding teeth” by fans on social media.
“If you think it’s boring, why don’t you go home?” Van Gaal bristled at a reporter on Tuesday, after his side beat Qatar 2-0 to top Group A and book a last-16 tie with the United States tomorrow.
The Netherlands might be a functional side, but forward Cody Gakpo has been a shining light in some less-than-fluent displays.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
A stunning late comeback secured the States a 4-3 win in Amsterdam at their last meeting, over seven years ago.
Netherlands wins: 4
Draws: 0
USA wins: 1
Prediction: USA to win on penalties
It is not difficult to imagine these two teams cancelling each other out, the US buoyed by an unbeaten start and the Dutch more talented but yet to fully click in Qatar.
A 0-0 draw, USA to win on penalties.
USA team news: Christian Pulisic should be fit
Christian Pulisic should be fit for the game after his injury scare, although Josh Sargent faces a late fitness test.
Gio Reyna’s lack of gametime looks set to continue as Gregg Berhalter ponders how to boost his firepower with his strikers largely misfiring at the World Cup.
Netherlands team news: Fully fit squad available
The Dutch midfield is still not settled after Louis van Gaal made yet more changes to his setup alongside Frenkie de Jong for the Qatar win.
Marten de Roon and Davy Klaassen have Teun Koopmeiners and Steven Berghuis for competition, while Cody Gakpo could be moved in behind the strikers to allow room for another attacker.
Memphis Depay played 66 minutes on his first start for a number of months against Qatar and should feature again.
Where to watch Netherlands vs USA
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be televised free-to-air and live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 2.30pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the first World Cup 2022 round-of-16 clash, with Netherlands taking on the USA.
Kick-off inside the Khalifa International Stadium is at 3pm GMT.
