'Orange Army' Netherlands Defeats USA 3-1... Reaches Quarterfinals After 8 Years

Wing-back Dwijpris shines with 1 goal and 2 assists, leading to first quarterfinals in 8 years

Memphis Depay's opening goal scene in the Netherlands [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] The 'Orange Army' Netherlands was the first to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

On the 4th (Korean time), the Netherlands defeated the United States 3-1 in the round of 16 match held at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

The Netherlands, which finished third in the 2014 Brazil World Cup but failed to qualify for the 2018 Russia tournament, returned to the finals after 8 years, advancing to the round of 16 as the top team in Group A (2 wins, 1 draw), and achieved their seventh overall quarterfinal appearance.

The 'rising star' Cody Gakpo, who scored in all three group stage matches, partnered in the starting attack with Memphis Depay. The Netherlands opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match. Gakpo sent a pass to the right flank, which Denzel Dumfries connected with a low cross, and Depay finished with a right-footed shot.

The United States attempted a counterattack focusing on Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah on both wings but struggled against the Netherlands' solid defense. In the 43rd minute of the first half, Weah intercepted a pass and took a mid-range shot from the right side of the penalty arc, but it was unfortunately saved by Andries Noppert.

In added time of the first half, the Netherlands scored again against the U.S. Dumfries once again set up from the right flank with a cross, and Daley Blind shook the net with a right-footed shot.

The United States sought a comeback with substitutions. In the second half, Giovani Reyna replaced Jesus Ferreira, followed by attacking substitutions including Haji Wright and Brendan Aaronson. As a result, the U.S. scored a consolation goal in the 76th minute from Wright, following a cross by Pulisic.

However, just five minutes later, the Netherlands scored a decisive goal. Dumfries, who joined the attack, pushed in a left-footed shot from a cross delivered by Blind on the left flank, deepening the U.S.'s disadvantage, and the match ended 3-1.

The Netherlands will face the winner of the Argentina-Australia round of 16 match in the quarterfinals at Lusail Stadium on the 10th.