Late push from U.S. comes up short against Netherlands

MIAMI, Florida – The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaign for the United States came to an end on Saturday in a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in the Round of 16 at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Two goals from the Dutch in the first half put the U.S. on their heels, but a Haji Wright goal with a quarter-hour remaining on the clock inspired hope. However, in the end, the Netherlands were able to find a late insurance goal, ending the U.S.’s time at Qatar 2022.

It was a bright start for the U.S. and Christian Pulisic nearly gave his side a lead just two minutes into the game only to be denied by Netherlands GK Andries Noppert.

The game’s first goal belonged to the Dutch, as Memphis Depay stroked in a right-footed finish off a cross from Denzel Dumfries in the 10’ to make it 1-0 to Netherlands.

The U.S. attempted to get back on even terms before halftime and put some pressure on the Dutch defense, but instead the Netherlands were the ones who scored next, with Daley Blind sweeping in a shot just seconds before the halftime whistle for a 2-0 advantage.

Staring at a two-goal deficit with 45 minutes to play, the U.S. pushed numbers forward in hopes of pulling a goal back and almost got a precious score in the 49’ off a corner kick when Tim Ream tried to stab home from a few yards out, but the ball was cleared off the line by the Dutch defense.

Match Officials

There was an error from the Dutch defense that led to a gilt-edged chance for Haji Wright in the 75’, but his narrow-angled shot rolled just wide. Wright atoned for his miss, though, just a minute later when a cross from Pulisic was redirected in by Wright with his back to goal to bring the U.S. to within 2-1.

Just as soon as the U.S. grabbed the momentum, the Dutch took it right back and a free chance from Dumfries at the back post gave the Netherlands a 3-1 lead in the 81’ that they would hold until the final whistle.