Any error can be fatal for teams as knockouts get underway at World Cup
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Doha: With the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022 gets underway on Saturday, the tournament moves to a moment where any error can be fatal for the competing teams and where the added drama of extra time and penalties can come into play.
The matches between the two ties in the last 16 mark the beginning of knockouts as Netherlands will face USA, while Argentina takes on Australia on Saturday.
The USA are facing doubt over captain Christian Pulisic with a pelvic injury that he suffered in their 1-0 win against Iran on Tuesday night. The Chelsea forward would be a significant loss to the USA, where he has played in a more central role than for his club.
The Netherlands have Memphis Depay fully fit, while Cody Gakpo goes into the match after scoring in each of the three group matches.
Louis van Gaal's men haven't really impressed so far in Qatar, making hard work of beating Senegal and struggling to a draw against Ecuador, before beating the hosts in their last match.
It will be fascinating to see how they cope with the USA's high-energy and aggressive pressing style and although they will go into the match as favourites, the USA should not be ruled out.
Argentina are clear favourites to beat Australia, despite Coach Lionel Scaloni warning that "everyone is difficult" in the World Cup.
Scaloni's side has eased themselves into the tournament after losing to Saudi Arabia in their opening game, and the decision to put Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez into his starting 11 against Poland gave Argentina better balance.
Fernandez and Alvarez know each other well from junior levels and with Lionel Messi leading, they should be too strong for a rival that has already over performed, reports Xinhua.
Australia have led in all three of their matches, taking the lead before losing 4-1 to France and then beating Tunisia and Denmark 1-0 each.
Mathew Leckie is Australia's main attacking threat, but central defender Harry Souttar, who plays in England's second tier with Stoke City, has also stood out in Qatar, with a series of rock-solid displays at the back.
-IANS Inputs
