OT: USMNT v. Netherlands preview/game thread

The first match of the World Cup knockout stage features a nation which shockingly missed the 2018 World Cup, has routinely disappointed in previous World Cup appearances, and which features a domestic league known for development but that has a questionable competitive level. The other nation is the United States. The two sides will square off on Saturday, 12/3 at 10 AM Eastern.

As we know, the US advanced to the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over Iran on Tuesday. Over in Group A, The Netherlands topped their group with 7 points on the back of 2-0 wins over Senegal and Qatar and a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. They left it late against Senegal with the first goal coming in the 84th minute followed by a clincher a few minutes later. An early goal put them ahead against Ecuador but they were quite poor throughout and conceded the equalizer shortly after halftime. Finally, they easily dispatched an already-eliminated Qatar with no drama.

While the Dutch topped their group, there were times they didn't look convincing. They look quite strong in defense, but they are lacking creativity in attack (sound familiar?). They have had major issues with ball progression and are still figuring out which of their attackers who aren't actually strikers they should start at striker. Because if there's one thing I know about soccer, it's that if you don't have any natural players at a given position, you should play a formation which requires two of them 🤷🏻‍♂️ They are a formidable opponent, but the prevailing opinion seems to be that they could be there for the taking. I wouldn't bet the house on either side, but the point is we have a shot.

Their key player thus far has been Cody Gakpo. A breakout star for PSV in Holland this season, Gakpo has taken the tournament by storm thus far. Naturally a left winger, he has been playing either in a free-roaming attacking midfielder role or as one of two strikers in this tournament. He has scored 3 of The Netherlands 4 goals and been the key man for their attack. He is extremely athletic, with an unusually large build for such a quick player and can score with either foot or use his tall frame to win headers, as he did with his first goal against Senegal.

Other key players:
- Frankie De Jong - CM: Extremely talented dribbler and passer who keeps things moving in midfield. Likes to drop into the back line and carry through to break pressing.
- Virgil van Dijk - CB: The Netherlands boasts one of the deepest groups of CBs in the world, headlined by Van Dijk. He's been the best in the game for many years and, at the risk of upsetting the Liverpool fans on this board, perhaps he's taken a step back? For international soccer though, his level is still elite. He's partnered in defense by Nathan Ake and one of Jurrien Timber or Mathias de Ligt
- Denzel Dumfries - RWB: The Netherlands plays with 3 in the back with two central front players, so the wingbacks are the main source of width for the Dutch. Dumfries is an excellent outlet at RWB who can be very dangerous swinging in balls to Gakpo. Robinson will need to be alert and the US will have to figure out a way to pin the Dutch back to keep Dumfries occupied in defense.
- Memphis Depay - ST?: Depay has generally started on the bench but is one of the first names Louis van Gaal looks for to provide a spark. Extremely quick and skilled on the ball, he may be a tough test for our physical, but not especially quick CBs. Like Gakpo, he is not a natural striker, but they'll play him there anyway.

Summary
Crucially, no US players picked up a second yellow card against Iran, so there are no suspensions for the US. However, Christian Pulisic and Josh Sargent are injury doubts after being subbed off with pelvic and ankle injuries, respectively. They are listed as day-to-day by the US medical staff. EDIT: Pulisic has been cleared to play. If they can't go, I would expect Brenden Aaronson to get the start at LW. Not sure what would happen at ST. Haji Wright has looked unconvincing and Berhalter doesn't seem to trust Ferreira at this level (maybe we should have brought Pepi?!). Perhaps Tim Weah gets a look at ST with Gio Reyna or Aaronson slotting in at RW (if Pulisic is healthy). The Netherlands has their full squad available, although Mathias de Ligt and Nathan Ake are both on a yellow.

This has the makings of a low scoring affair, and whoever is able to provide that moment of attacking brilliance could be the difference. Once again, our midfield will be the key to victory. The Dutch midfield looked all sorts of lost against Ecuador and they, like at striker, are still trying to figure out who should start next to Frenkie de Jong. Maybe they should have worked on that before the tournament? Subs will be key as the game could extend into extra time for the first time in this tournament (2 15 minute halves followed by a penalty shootout if the score is still level). Berhalter will need to get those right.

Predicted 11:
Turner
Dest - Carter-Vickers - Ream - Robinson
Musah - Adams - McKennie
Weah - Sargent - Pulisic

I'm not saying they're definitely going to win. But I'm not NOT saying they're going to win. And if they do win, they will face the winner of Australia-Argentina. A semifinal berth is not crazy...just saying.

USA 2-1 NED The Dutch score first but we battle back to level it with a Weah goal. Jordan Morris comes on in the 99'. Twitter is furious. Berhalter accidentally subs Reyna on and he delivers a corner that Morris scores to win the game. Twitter remains furious.