The first round of 16 match is between Group B champions Netherlands and Group A runners-up USA.Both the teams are unbeaten in the group stage.
Netherlands qualified for the Round of 16 as group winners of Group A, secured through a 2-0 win over hosts Qatar on Tuesday. They will be hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2014, where they eventually finished third.
USA were the runners-up in Group B, after securing a 1-0 win over Iran in their last group game to secure their place in the Round of 16. 2002 was the last time they reached the quarter-final stage of the World Cup.
Looking at the current form and team value, Netherlands have a slight advantage. The midfield led by de Jong and the defense led by van Dijk have not tasted defeat in the last 18 games.
Pulisic’s USA on the other hand is in good form. Netherlands will have more work to do if they play like they tied England.
Anyway, let’s hope for a great match at Khalifa International Stadium.
TEAM NEWS
Netherlands
🤩 Ready for another #WorldCup matchday⁉️#NothingLikeOranje #NEDUSA pic.twitter.com/BTOjL9wQaY
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) December 2, 2022
Stefan de Vrij and Jeremie Frimpong both had issues earlier in the week but both are fit again and will be on the bench for the clash against the USA.
Van Gaal may not make any changes to the eleven that defeated Qatar with Memphis Depay completing an hour of that match. Cody Gakpo has three goals in three games and is likely to start again up front.
USA
The matchup. #USMNT x @Visa pic.twitter.com/3EuaUULPdS
— U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (@USMNT) December 2, 2022
USA captain Christian Pulisic is expected to be fit for Saturday’s World Cup last-16 clash with Netherlands.
Weston McKennie is nursing a leg injury, while Josh Sargent is a more pressing concern after damaging an ankle.It is currently expected that all three will be fit to start.