The winners of Saturday’s game will go on to face either Argentina or Australia.
WHO: Netherlands vs USA
Where: Khalifa International Stadium
When: December 3, 6pm (3:00pm GMT)
FIFA Ranking: Netherlands (8), USA (16)
The first match of the World Cup quarter-finals will pit the Netherlands against the USA on Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium, with the European side looking to prove they are strong opponents in Qatar.
There has been a lot of talk – especially from the Dutch camp – about the team’s ability to go into the tournament.
Louis van Gaal’s side have climbed to the top of Group A, picking up seven points with 2-0 wins over Senegal and Qatar to go along with a 1-1 draw against Ecuador.
But despite their unbeaten run, the Netherlands’ three performances so far have been marred by many under-fire players and the team is heavily reliant on Cody Gakpo’s goals.
That will give hope to the Americans, who will be underdogs but have already given evidence of their potential in unbeaten Group B matches that saw them secure 0-0 and 1-1 draws against England and Wales respectively. A gritty 1-0 win over Iran ensured progress.
USA sweat on Pulisic’s workout
Although the USA is sweating on the fitness of star player Christian Pulisic – he has a hip injury and is being tested every day – coach Gregg Berhalter said that his team will not have a few problems.
“It’s a nice opportunity, but it’s not something we think of as an honor,” Berhalter said. “We have to stay where we are. And we want to continue. We don’t want to go home on Saturday.
And from now on anything can happen. All we have to do is play one game at a time. There is no need to predict where this team will end up,” added Berhalter, who knows Dutch football well. The 49-year-old played in the Dutch league for three different clubs between 1996 and 2000.
For the Netherlands, the key will be to get Memphis Depay flying with Frenkie de Jong in midfield.
Van Gaal has described both as very important to the Dutch.
The winner will face Argentina or Australia
Depay is said to have overcome his hamstring injury, having made two appearances and started their last game.
“I have drawn a line under the fitness questions,” he told reporters.
“I’m fine.” The knockout stage is big business. We’ve passed the group stage, now we can’t get into it. Most people think it’s cake, but it’s always different. “
Van Gaal, 71, was keen not to underestimate the opposition.
“I know from experience that games against countries like the United States and Australia, which we met at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, are always difficult,” he said. “He’s very passionate and sharp on the ball.”
The winners of the match will go on to face either Argentina or Australia on December 9.
