The USMNT survived the “Group of Death,” but when it came to the knockout round, they were out of their depth again. The Netherlands, winners of Group A, scored two first-half goals and then added a third for good measure to defeat the USMNT 3-1 in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.
This is the USMNT’s fourth time exiting in the round of 16 since 1990, only reaching the quarterfinal in 2002.
After an early Dutch mistake resulted in Christian Pulisic failing to get any strength on an open shot, the Netherlands scored early with a passing masterclass, culminating with a goal by Memphis.
Netherlands takes the lead! 🇳🇱
Memphis Depay gets things started for Oranje pic.twitter.com/qu4cljENCn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
Then in the 46th minute, just seconds before halftime, Daley Blind scored with a shot that was very similar to the Memphis goal. A ground cross from Denzel Dumfries to a Dutch player toward the top of the box.
The Netherlands make it two!
In the final seconds of the first half, Daley Blind makes it 2-0 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/pZThbgnKUK
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
In the second half, Giovanni Reyna was subbed on, and things were clicking a bit more. They had a corner kick that was cleared off the line, and then Weston McKennie had a great chance just minutes later. Another Dutch mistake was squandered as Haji Wright messed up his first touch and couldn’t score, but he redeemed himself a minute later to make it a 2-1 game.
Another massive chance for the USMNT! 😱 pic.twitter.com/SINfJrqmQp
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
THERE IT IS!
THE @USMNT TAKES ONE BACK 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZaxPsw2pNU
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
With 15 minutes plus stoppage time left, the USMNT was charging for another goal, and goalkeeper Matt Turner was standing on his head to ensure things didn’t get worse. Unfortunately for Turner, Antonee Robinson completely whiffed on marking Dumfries, who was so wide open he could’ve had something to eat. Dumfries’ volley sealed the game for the Netherlands and sent the USMNT packing.
The Netherlands scores a third!
Netherlands now leads the USMNT 3-1 late in the second half pic.twitter.com/HsmcVco9V2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
After the match, there was a wide range of perspectives from the general public. Some were still proud of the team, while others were frustrated. Some pointed out how the Netherlands were the better team, while others were hopeful of what they could do in 2026. None of those feelings are wrong to have; it’s just the multitude of emotions one faces when eliminated from the FIFA World Cup.
Better team won the football match. Errors in both penalty areas costly for USA. Third goal crucial cos USA were threatening an equaliser at time. Why didn’t Reyna start ? Far more guile with him.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) December 3, 2022
The #USMNT worked hard as a unit, showed superb spirit and gained valuable experience from this World Cup. They will be much better in 2026 thanks to this tournament. #NED just had extra quality and class when it mattered most. No shame in the #USA losing to this Dutch side.
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) December 3, 2022
Block Netherlands passports in 2026 @POTUS
— Gary Striewski (@garystriewski) December 3, 2022
I enjoyed watching this USA team compete on the biggest stage, and I’m actually optimistic about the future, that’s a win overall
— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) December 3, 2022
The U.S. had chances to finish. We didn't.
The Dutch had chances to finish. They did.
But our team is young, super talented, and just entering their prime. Can't wait to follow these guys over the next four years.
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) December 3, 2022
Every 4 years #USA pic.twitter.com/i19PgR0LJR
— Glenny Balls (@Glenny_balls) December 3, 2022
Plenty to be hopeful for in the future for the United States who played well. They were worse at both ends, switching off at the back and not finishing well enough.
Dumfries MOTM.
Memphis makes a statement before the Jan transfer window. #FIFAWorldCup
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) December 3, 2022
All things considered, this team showed a lot of promise. Played some good soccer in this World Cup. Lots to be proud of and this young team/players will learn so much from this experience. 2026 is right around the corner and the future is bright. #USA @USMNT
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) December 3, 2022
Oh well. That 3rd Netherlands goal was brutal. See you in 4 years in the USA @USMNT! We are proud! 🇺🇸⚽️
— Bianna Golodryga (@biannagolodryga) December 3, 2022
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 USA!!!!!!! Great job representing the country. Great young talent and a great young Leader in Adams. Looking forward to World Cup 26 we have now set the standard of expectation.
— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) December 3, 2022
as someone that watches soccer once every 6 years I cannot believe USA lost this game and I’m going to get drunk🇺🇸
— timthetatman👑 (@timthetatman) December 3, 2022
Proud of the USA for how it showed up in this tournament. But it comes to an end in the round of 16.
— Tino Bovenzi (@TinoBovenzi) December 3, 2022
Valiant effort by this team.
Proud of the run. Excited for the future.
— Jacob Schneider (@_jacobschneider) December 3, 2022
Proud of these guys. #USA
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) December 3, 2022
Bright future for this USA team. Good taste of top flight international soccer so now they can prep for 2026 and winning the big ones on home turf.
— Taylor Jacobs (@TaylorJacobs) December 3, 2022
