FIFA WC 2022: Netherlands beats USA 3-1 to enter quarter-finals

Doha: Netherlands defeated the USA 3-1 in a knockout match on Saturday and entered the quarter-finals of FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar. Denzel Dumfries scored a goal and assisted two in a thrilling match.

The Netherlands are back in the World Cup quarter-finals after a break. The Dutch finished third in 2014 but did not qualify for the World Cup in 2018.

Memphis Depay (10th minute), Daley Blind (45+1 minute) and Denzel Dumfries (81st minute) scored for the Dutch.

Haji Wright (in the 76th minute), who came as a substitute, scored America's goal of relief. The Dutch responded to America's 'high-pressing' game with goals.

In the 10th minute, Memphis Depay scored the first goal for the Orange front. After the Netherlands advance from the middle of the field, Denzel Dumfries' pass from the right wing into the box went to the feet of Depay, whom the defenders did not notice.

He easily put the ball to the left corner of the post.

In the injury time of the first half, the Dutch made the lead two through Daley Blind, a goal similar to the first goal.

Dumfries opened the way for the goal again this time. It progressed from the throw that resulted in the goal. Dumfries box produced a cross from the right wing towards the middle of the post that was headed straight to Blind's feet.

Making the goalie a mere spectator, he fired the ball into the left corner of the post.

However, America hit back through the substitute Haji Wright, scoring at the 76th minute.

Christian Pulisic set up the goal. But the Dutch scored again in the 81st minute to break the hearts of the fans when it looked like they were going to score an equaliser.

Denzel Dumfries, who paved the way for the first two goals, hit the net this time. From the left wing of the box, Daley Blind delivered the ball into the box to Dumfries.

A volley was shot by the star into the USA's post.

In the first quarter match of the World Cup at the Al Khalifa Stadium, the USA had a dominant opening in the initial minutes.

The USA missed a golden opportunity in the second minute. Only Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Knoppert was before superstar Christian Pulisic's attack, but his weak shot was deflected by the goalie with his right foot.

All advances by the USA were resisted by the Dutch. In the 43rd minute, a right-footed half-volley by America's Timothy Weah from outside the box was saved by the Netherlands goalie.

At the beginning of the second half, both teams played aggressively. In the 49th minute, a corner from a good counter-attack by the Dutch opened the way for a golden opportunity, but they could not capitalise on it.

A counter-attack by the Netherlands followed. In the 61st minute, after a scuffle inside the box, Depay fired a shot at the American net, but the goalie hit the ball.

American goalie Matt Turner made a double save in the 71st minute. USA's continued its efforts to return a goal.

Finally, in the 76th minute, Haji hit back. When the USA was expected to fire the equaliser into the Dutch nets, the latter scored another, putting a stake into the US fans' hearts.

The Netherlands will face the winners of the Argentina first quarter-final on December 9.