USMNT take on the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup Round of 16. Here are 3 reasons why United States can seal a place in the Quarter-Finals.
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US soccer fans, you better believe it. USMNT have made it to the World Cup Round of 16 after some very impressive performances in a group which contained England, Iran and Wales.
The path to World Cup glory isn’t unimaginable. But first, the United States must defeat the Netherlands. Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands are currently 8th in the FIFA World Rankings, but a victory for the USA is something that we can foresee.
Here are 3 reasons why USA can beat Netherlands and book a spot in the 2022 World Cup Quarter-Finals. And they’re pretty good reasons why!
1. USA’s Incredible Defensive Performances
If there’s one thing that can be said about this United States squad, it’s that the defensive unit is incredibly strong. The U.S. join Brazil as the only two nations that haven’t conceded a goal in open play so far this tournament. That’s an incredible stat.
Matt Turner, USA and Arsenal goalkeeper, has been one of the key factors in the United States’ defensive masterclasses at the World Cup. He has led by example in defense and has pulled off some brilliant stops.
He’s also been key in distributing the ball to the USA’s most dangerous offensive players. With a 74% pass completion – and 40% completion on long balls – he is producing some excellent numbers from between the sticks.
However, Matt Turner is not the only man who has contributed to a strong and compact defensive unit. He has only faced 0.72 expected goals on target (not including Gareth Bale’s penalty for Wales). This proves that the men in front of Turner – Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Walker Zimmerman, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Sergiño Dest – have really put their bodies on the line for USA.
If United States’ defensive players can put in another hard-fought shift against the Netherlands, then there’s no reason why they cannot progress to the World Cup Quarter-Finals.
2. Upsets Have Been A Regular Occurrence in Qatar
I mean, where do we start? Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 victory against Lionel Messi’s Argentina? Japan’s double-defeat to European heavyweights Spain and Germany? Morocco topping Group F, which contained Belgium, Croatia and Canada?
Maybe it’s the Qatari climate having an effect on players? Or are we seeing a shift in power throughout national team soccer? Either way, it makes for some fairytale stories and very entertaining viewing.
If any of the upsets listed above can happen, then why can’t USA beat the Netherlands? Let’s be honest, Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 win against Argentina is way more of an upset than United States beating a Netherlands side which hasn’t exactly shown much yet this tournament.
3. There Are Tougher Draws Out There
Yes, you could argue that the Netherlands are ranked 8th in the World Rankings. You could also put across the point that Van Gaal has not lost a game since he was most-recently appointed as manager back in September 21. That’s an 18-match unbeaten run.
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However, United States are ranked 16th in the World Rankings. Not exactly a David vs Goliath contest. The Netherlands have also underperformed thus far in Qatar. A 2-0 win in their World Cup opener against Senegal was expected. This was followed by a poor 1-1 tie with Ecuador and a lackluster 2-0 win over Qatar.
When focussing on the World Cup draw specifically, Group A included Qatar as a Pot 1 team (as Qatar are the host nation). Therefore, the U.S. are effectively playing a Pot 2 team in Round of 16. Even though they finished 2nd in their group. Now, you can’t say the draw isn’t favorable when there are nations like France and Brazil elsewhere.
USA vs Netherlands Match Odds
Above is why USA can beat the Netherlands. If you’re with us on that, then why not bet on it?
USA To Beat the Netherlands WORLD CUP PICK
USMNT are +184 at FanDuel to progress to the World Cup Quarter-Finals. A $50 bet on the USA to beat the Netherlands will win you $92.
Even better, if you bet on Team USA to advance at FanDuel and they don’t, you will get your wager back in Free Bets. A small consolation if the U.S. don’t perform on the day!
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