The Knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup started with USA taking on Netherlands in the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
The Netherlands finished top of Group A with wins over Senegal and Qatar, saw them through to the knockout stage as the favorites. Meanwhile, the USA played out two draws and won their crucial game against Iran 1-0 to qualify.
Netherlands eliminates the US
With the starting XIs announced, Oranjes had to focus on getting their in-form forward Cody Gakpo off the ground and running.
Someone has to explain to me what Jesus Ferreira (or really any US striker) brings that Aaronson or Reyna couldn’t playing in the same areas. I just do not understand this
— Eamonn Brennan (@eamonnbrennan) December 3, 2022
Coach Gregg Berhalter was chastised for starting Jesus Ferreira over Gio Reyna in the USMNT lineup. The Netherlands started the game strong with a beautiful team play goal finished by Memphis Depay in the 10th minute.
Spot the difference 🔎🧐
Relive these two textbook plays which put @OnsOranje in command in #NEDUSA 🔥
Keep watching #FIFAWorldCup 👉 LIVE on #JioCinema & #Sports18 📲📺#Qatar2022 #WorldsGreatestShow #FIFAWConJioCinema #FIFAWConSports18 pic.twitter.com/MBi2bkZOo6
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) December 3, 2022
With just 1 minute added at the end of the first half, Dumfries crossed the ball in and Daley Blind scored a replica of their first goal and put Oranje’s up by 2. USMNT came back in the 2nd half with a couple of substitutions and made great chances but couldn’t finish them.
What a goal this was from @HajiWright!! 🇺🇸
Whether he meant it or not, he’ll be claiming it… 😏#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/njNlyAQTd3
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 3, 2022
With 15 minutes to go for the final whistle, USMNT got a goal with substitute Haji Wright scoring one of the luckiest goals of the 2022 World Cup.
🇳🇱Denzel Dumfries is now the 1st Dutch player to be involved in 3 or more goals in a single FIFA World Cup game,since Rob Rensenbrink in 1978.
🔝 #FIFAWorldCup Record#Qatar2022|#NED|#NEDUSA pic.twitter.com/cgnrZggIrV
— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) December 3, 2022
However, didn’t stop Dumfries from scoring a 3rd and carrying Oranjes into the last 8. He had an exceptional game against the USA.
Fans react as USMNT gets eliminated from the World Cup
Netherlands will face the winner of Argentina vs. Australia. USMNT is eliminated after reaching the knockout stages a decade later.
Here’s how the fans reacted the American dream being crushed
— Bettay🇨🇦 (@BettayMan) December 3, 2022
America’s defense😂😂 pic.twitter.com/5prDjQ8QiO
— Yahia ZSC (@Yahia1_) December 3, 2022
THE USA MOOD NOW 🙁 pic.twitter.com/XnJoN30jQI
— FIFA World Cup 2022 (@hanselsapkota07) December 3, 2022
Lucky our best athletes play in the nba and nfl.
— Featherlump (@Featherlump1) December 3, 2022
They’ll show these two goals in academies across the world on how NOT to defend, especially Dumfries who was already on 2 assists. #NEDUSA pic.twitter.com/zOya6REVrl
— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) December 3, 2022
After watching these last 45 mins, I have concluded that there are absolutely zero reasons why Gio Reyna should not have started EVERY match in this tournament for the USA. What a mistake. #NEDUSA
— Sean Montgomery (@sjmontgomery_) December 3, 2022
USA defence against Netherlands pic.twitter.com/3Fm6a7ik3B
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) December 3, 2022
“They got this country believing again.” 🇺🇸@landondonovan, @clint_dempsey, and @AlexiLalas react to the USMNT’s FIFA World Cup exit ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/YgHgJKwvtY
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
American fans are hoping for USMNT to make a stronger comeback as they co host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Mexico and Canada.
