They are said to be methodical, Cartesian. The Netherlands lived up to those expectations in their 3-1 victory over the United States on Saturday. The Dutch therefore continue their journey quietly and pass in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Quietly, because despite possession and creation of play to the advantage of the United States, it was for the benefit of surgical precision in the counter-attack that the Oranje stood out.
His trainer Louis Van Gaal, on the other hand, was not entirely satisfied with what his troops showed, especially after the first 45 minutes.
“At the break, I was very critical, he said after the match. […] We suffered in the first half, were often deprived of the ball, and this is not acceptable at the World Cup. If we play like that against the best teams, it will not work. »
On the American side, coach Gregg Berhalter was pleased to have “shocked” the Netherlands, “undefeated for a long time”, or 19 games.
“When you look at the difference between the two teams, the Netherlands had the quality to conclude their chances, analyzed the coach. A quality that we lacked a little. »
Dumfries, decisive
In this regard, the man of the match for the Dutch was undoubtedly Denzel Dumfries. Two assists, one goal. He was thus involved in the three successes of his team.
The play of the Americans was positive, brought forward at the start of the match. But Berhalter said it: against a formation as well trained as the Netherlands, you have to know how to take advantage of your chances.
Because Van Gaal’s team is his specialty. At the 10e minute, a triangular passing game begins behind the center line. The ball is quickly delivered deep to Dumfries on the right wing. He sends an excellent center towards Memphis Depay in the area. The Dutch striker is alone, a recurring theme of this meeting. And mark. A little flash of genius, and it’s 1-0. Against the course of play.
The United States did not give up, and continued to attack. But their chances have almost always ended in misses on their part, or comfortable saves by goalkeeper Andries Noppert.
Yes, they are methodical, the Dutch. But not quite spectacular. With the Americans dominating but ineffective, the game was lackluster for long minutes. The monotonous atmosphere in Khalifa Stadium didn’t help either.
Comes the 46e minute. On an action almost copied and pasted from the first goal of the match, Denzel Dumfries, again him, sends the ball on a Daley Blind completely open in the axis. 2-0. A game that had started on a key entry.
“We were leading 2-0, with two fantastic goals, noted Van Gaal. The first is a splendor and shows the collective dynamics well. A team goal. »
Already, we could report a disappointing performance by the American defense, yet so solid so far in the tournament. And it hasn’t improved.
The United States managed to give themselves a little hope, temporarily, benefiting from a lucky touch from Haji Wright in the 76e. But four minutes later, once again, a Dutch player is forgotten behind the American ramparts.
None other than Denzel Dumfries. For nearly five full seconds, Dumfries calls for a serve, hand raised. Nobody among the Americans cares. Daley Blind, far left of the box, spots him. And serves him a center with the perfect trajectory. The smuggler becomes a scorer, and destroys the slim hopes of the United States by scoring 3-1.
“We can be world champions”
“We always want to improve,” said Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk. Since the beginning of the tournament, it is better and better each game. We scored fantastic goals. The American goal, I don’t know how it came in. »
While Van Gaal was disappointed with the performance of his men after the first half, he said he was satisfied with the result of the second.
“In the second half, we had incredible ball possession. We delivered a performance without weakness, even if we took a goal stupidly […]. I have been saying it for a year: we can be world champions. I’m not saying we will be, but we can. »
The Netherlands are therefore waiting to know who from Argentina or Australia they will face in the quarterfinals. The United States, meanwhile, will have to fall back on the hope of the great potential of this young team.
Hoping that it materializes by the World Cup of 2026, in North America.
“We want to create moments for people at home so they can fall in love with the sport,” said American goaltender Matt Turner. Tonight was not one of them, unfortunately. »
With Agence France-Presse and the Associated Press