The first match of FIFA World Cup 2022 featuring Netherlands and USA on Saturday ended in a handsome victory for Netherlands as they won 3-1.
Coming into the match as table toppers of Group A, Netherlands played a clinical game to see off the young and energetic USA team.
Netherlands took the lead early in the match through a Memphis Depay goal in the 10th minute.
Denzel Dumfries made a good run on the right flank and then delivered a low pass across to Depay, who took it first touch and drove the ball into the net.
Timothy Weah made an excellent attempt on goal with a half volley in the 42nd minute but it was blocked by Dutch keeper Noppert.
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In the 44th minute, Dest made a good run into the Dutch penalty area but miscued his shot.
USA played the price for playing a high line as Daley Blind doubled Netherlands’ lead in extra time of first half.
Denzel Dumphries made the assist as he cut back a low pass which was driven into the net by Daley Blind from close range.
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After the half time, USA started playing with six players forward. In the 52nd minute, McKennie had a good shot but it went just over the crossbar.
At the other end, Memphis had a powerful shot saved by USA keeper Turner, who also made a double save in the 71st minute.
In the 75th minute, Wright who came in as a substitute for USA collected a loose ball by the Dutch and came one-on-one with Dutch Keeper. But his first touch was not good and took the ball away from the goal and his shot on goal was blocked for a corner.
Wright scored a minute letter when he turned in a pass by Pulisic from the right, in what was a freak scooped shot into the far corner.
With the score at 2-1 in favour of the Dutch, USA continued to attack in search of the equaliser and committed many players high up.
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Denzel Dumphries scored the third goal in the 81st minute when he guided a volley into the far post off a Danny Blind cross from the left.
With the score at 3-1, the Dutch began to strengthened their defence line, with six to seven players in the backline and they saw off any more threats to their goal by USA.
Netherlands proceeds to the Quarterfinals where they will meet the winners of Argentina-Australia match.
USA had a good tournament where they remained unbeaten against England and Wales, and won against Iran.
USA have the second youngest team in this edition of FIFA World Cup and will be hosting the next edition along with Canada and Mexico.
Netherlands, considered a football powerhouse never to have won a World Cup, will look for their good form and discipline to take them far.
