With two first-half goals, the Dutch demonstrated their firepower, leaving the young US team with an insurmountable mountain to climb. Despite cutting the deficit in half in the second half of the game at Khalifa International Stadium, hopes of a USMNT comeback were dashed when Denzel Dumfries scored the Netherlands’ third goal, knocking Gregg Berhalter’s team out of the tournament.
Concerns about the fitness of star Christian Pulisic were put to rest before the match when the Chelsea forward was named to Berhalter’s starting lineup despite being forced off injured against Iran on Tuesday.
The Chelsea attacker almost put the US ahead early on, latching on to Tyler Adams‘ flicked pass in behind, but his left-footed strike was blocked by Andries Noppert.
The United States made a strong start but failed to capitalise on their opportunities and were punished when the Netherlands took the lead after 10 minutes. The ball was worked out to Dumfries on the right wing through free-flowing, one-touch buildup play. His first-time pass was intercepted by Memphis Depay, who finished neatly past Matt Turner and into the far corner.
However, as the US found a good tempo, the Dutch went down the other end and doubled their lead just seconds before halftime. Dumfries went down the right flank again before delivering a fizzing ball into Daley Blind, who stroked a first-time right-footed strike past Turner.
Early in the second half, Berhalter’s team threatened, with Tim Ream having a tame effort cleared off the line before Weston McKennie struck over. With time running out and the possibility of a US comeback dwindling, the Netherlands attempted to put the game out of reach. Turner had to make a double save to deny Teun Koopmeiners‘ shot and Steven Bergwijn’s subsequent header.
Turner’s heroics gave the US hope, and they cut their deficit in half with 14 minutes remaining thanks to a bizarre goal by Haji Wright. The ever-present Pulisic squared the ball to Wright, who flicked the ball up his leg and looped his finish over the towering Noppert’s head.
Optimism was short-lived for the US, as Dumfries added a goal to his earlier two assists to secure victory for Louis van Gaal’s side. Blind found space to bend a beautiful left-footed cross to the back post, where Dumfries was waiting to score.
