World Cup 2022: The Netherlands Return With A Quarter-Final Slot

Having missed out of the 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands are back with a quarter-fimals spot on their return.

The Netherlands qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup after victory over the US. In a perfectly mastered encounter, the Oranje easily defeated the United States via a 3-1 margin.

The Dutch dominated the match from start to finish. They took advantage from the 10th minute of play. Very prolific since the start to this World Cup, Gakpo accelerated through the flank and shifted the ball for Dumfries on the right. The Inter Milan man side-footed to the path of Memphis Depay who was arriving inside area.

The latter put the ball in the back of the net. Depay thus became the second highest goal scorer of the Dutch selection with 43 goals in 85 selections.

The Barcelona striker is seven goals behind Van Persie’s record (50 goals).

Louis Van Gaal’s men doubled the lead in added time in the first period thanks to Daley Blind, also well served by Dumfries for a perfect first half display by the Oranje.

Upon resumption of the second segment, the US closed the gap. Haji Right struck passed the goalkeeper on a cross from Pulisic at the 76th minute.

As they tried to equalise, the Americans were punished by an ‘on fire’ Dumfries, who put an end to the contest at the 81st minute.

The Oranje will face the winner of the Argentina in the quarter finals. The two teams met in the semis in 2014.