The USA Men’s National Team was eliminated by the Netherlands in the Round of 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Saturday. First-half goals by Memphis Depay and Daly Blind put Gregg and his Burhalter side in action, and the Americans left Qatar with his 3–1 defeat to the Netherlands after a respectable campaign in the group stage. The Netherlands will face the winners of Argentina and Australia in Friday’s quarterfinals.
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This was a game that showed how much the USMNT needed to grow as they were exposed to Dutch counters. This was the United States team that did not concede in open play in the group stage heading into Saturday. Denzel Dumfries dominated the wing with two assists and a goal.
Without Josh Sargent, who was unclothed due to an ankle injury, the American missed his presence due to lack of offensive movement and space. From playing passes too quickly to not chasing Dutch counters, the US settled on playing a game prepared by Dutch manager Louis van Gaal.
With the Netherlands’ first goal, Cody Gakpo created space and Depay blew through the US midfield to end the chance created by Dumfries. Again before the half, fullback Sergino Dest was caught in the foot and the blinds finished with a goal from fullback to fullback, bringing home the Dutch style of play. Gio Reina came on for Jesús Ferreira at half-time, but it wasn’t enough to get him back in the game. Haji his right capped off a great game with Dumfries scoring his 81st minute goal after recovering his one from the Dutch collapse.
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Meanwhile, the United States will have to wait until 2026 to host the next World Cup along with Canada and Mexico. There are three points in this game.
1. Learning experience
The US squandered a chance to play the game, but the Netherlands made them pay with a slim chance. Again, Berhalter got the tactics to start the game right. Pulisic and Weir probably ran out of the gate on script but couldn’t find the last ball to enter the box. From improper shots to dribbling too much, the U.S. did exactly what the Netherlands wanted.
The chances were there when they put the pressure on the Netherlands, but the United States could only hold that press for 15 minutes each half. It was flying, showing a tightrope walk with Dest and Robinson cheating too much. The defense relied on the play of the full-backs, which went big as the Dutch full-backs were able to consistently fall behind.
American full-backs need to pick their spots better to move forward in a match like this, but you never know where your weaknesses lie until they’re exposed on the big stage.
2. End of an era
It’s been four years and one day since Greg Berhalter took over the USMNT. Is it time to appoint a new coach for the pivotal cycle in which Americans host the World Cup and don’t necessarily qualify at Conca Cafe? There is none.
Berhalter has done an important job of getting the team back on the world stage, but it’s questionable if he kept the team as far away as possible.
“When you think about this group, it’s really special to see how they’ve come together over the last three and a half years,” Burhalter told Fox reporter Jenny Taft after the game. , staff and everyone, it’s rare to find such a bond.I’m really proud of this group, but I’m deeply disappointed with tonight’s results.”
Most of them played together at youth level, so the bond that was forged between the teams is important. Reina was brought on after the first half, but playing Reina as his false nine didn’t pose much of a danger as he needed to make big moves to make an impact on the game.
Wright struggled during the World Cup as well, despite what looked like a shaky goal. His performance made us wonder what would have happened had Jordan Pefok or Ricardo Pepi been in the squad, and if your striker had scored one goal in his four games, wondered what would have happened there. It is natural to think. Burhalter ensured successful calls for keeper Turner and centre-back Ream, which were crucial to their success, but questions remain as to how this will be a balanced team in 2026. ing.
Some players need more experience given their U-20 level talent. Having a manager with a Plan B in his back pocket to shift the game after halftime could have squeezed a little more out of this match.
3. Never underestimate the Dutch
Assuming the Netherlands face Argentina in the next round, it’s another chance for van Gaal to use his blueprint against a team that likes to keep possession. Memphis finding footing at just the right time allows the Dutch to push the pace even further. Knoppelt was also strong in goals and this was Dumfries’ best performance during the World Cup. Continuing with it could cause an upset in the next round. Gakpo didn’t even need to score against the United States, but his move created space for everyone else on the team.
