To the USMNT, facing the Netherlands represents a grand opportunity. It also represents a familiar roadblock. brianstraus on the U.S.’s history of World Cup struggles vs. European sides—and why this group might be equipped to end them
AL RAYYAN, Qatar — The American men have won a single World Cup knockout game in 92 years, and make no mistake, the opponent on that famous day mattered.
You don’t need to beat a European team to get out of the group. The U.S. leveraged wins over Algeria , Ghana and then—to go on a deep World Cup run. And so the test begins Saturday against Group A winner here in Al Rayyan. This Dutch side isn’t considered one of the competition’s best, but it’s still loaded with talent and the sort of experience and pedigree that has proven so difficult for the U.S. to overcome.
The Americans will feel good about the fact that they outplayed both England and Wales for significant stretches of those group-stage contests. The two points earned helped the U.S. finish second in what was, statistically, the toughest group at this World Cup. The Netherlands won the tournament’s easiest group based on average ranking with wins over Senegal and lowly Qatar and a draw with Ecuador.
The U.S. will be banking on the hope that its increased familiarity with European soccer—17 of the 26 men on Berhalter’s team play there—will help UEFA teams feel less foreign. Midfielder Weston McKennie added, “We're here for a reason. … We know that a lot of people have [the Dutch] as the favorites. But a lot of people didn't think that we would make it out of the group as well. This team is young [and] has a lot of energy, and this team has a lot of people that doubted us. But we continue to prove them wrong. So we're just looking forward to going out against the Netherlands and playing a good game.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
USMNT Captain Tyler Adams Keeps Poise in Answer to Aggressive Reporter at World CupAfter being informed that he was pronouncing “Iran” incorrectly, USMNT Captain Tyler Adams was asked about his feelings toward discrimination against Black people in America. The 23-year-old midfielder gave an amazing response FIFAWorldCup
Read more »
Three keys to the USMNT defeating Iran and advancing to the 2022 World Cup knockout stageSo how does the USMNT get the three points it will take to reach the round of 16? Here are three keys via nrarmour Qatar2022 FIFAWorldCup
Read more »
World Cup live updates: USMNT faces win-or-go-home match vs. IranWorld Cup live scores, updates: USMNT faces win-or-go-home match vs. Iran; Ecuador vs Senegal and Netherlands vs Qatar kick off action; Wales meets England later today. Qatar2022 FIFAWorldCup
Read more »
USMNT advances to World Cup knockout rounds as Christian Pulisic goal secures win vs. IranAs the second-place finisher in the World Cup Group B, the USMNT will play the Netherlands, the Group A winner, on Saturday.
Read more »