WC-RO16: Netherlands vs USA
03 December 2022
16:00 (CET), 20:30 (IST)
Khalifa International Stadium, Ar-Rayyan
Who will prevail in this first World Cup round of 16? The Netherlands, as the bookmakers suggest, or the USA? Group A was won by the Netherlands, while the USA progressed to the last 16 with a win in the last group game. They couldn’t get a single win before Christian Pulisic saved his country against Iran in the 38th minute of the game. And so it comes to this duel – and with it the first surprise in the course of this duel Netherlands vs USA ?
How will the Netherlands and the USA perform in this round of 16? It is not to be expected that there will be any major changes compared to the group stage matches. In this respect, you can orientate yourself to the last group games with regard to the formations. Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo could form the offensive for the Oranjes, while hopes for the Americans will mainly lie in Chelsea star Pulisic.
Expected lineup Netherlands:
Goalkeeper: Noppert
Defense: Van Dijk, Aké, Timber
Midfield: Blind, De Jong, De Roon, Dumfries
Forward: Gakpo, Klaassen, Depay
Trainer: Louis van Gaal
Weghorst, Janssen and Berghuis came on as substitutes from Louis van Gaal in the last group game against Qatar. So on the offensive you definitely have the opportunity to vary, to try out new things and, above all, to control the load. The defense seems to have found itself so far. The full-backs around Malacia (Manchester United) and Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen) currently do not seem to have a chance of starting XI.
Expected lineup USA:
Goalkeeper: Turner
Defense: Robinson, Ream, Carter-Vickers, Dest
Midfield: McKennie, Adams, Musah
Storm: Pulisic, Sargent, Weah
Trainer: Gregg Berhalter
Talent Brenden Aaronson came on as a substitute in the last group game against Iran. And Haji Wright also found his way into the game from the substitutes’ bench. It is possible that both will be an option off the bench again in the round of 16. After all, a regular World Cup game lasts at least 100 minutes – usually more. In this respect, the role of the substitute bench is particularly important. With Pulisic, Sargent, McKennie, Adams, there would be several players with Bundesliga experience on the pitch.
