Clutch Dutch fly past hard fighting USA

• Netherlands beat USA 3-1
• Denzel Dumfries put up a man of the match with two assists and a goal
• They will meet Argentina in the quarters

Denzel Dumfries put up a man of the match performance, providing two assists and scoring one as the Netherlands beat the United States 3-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium to pull through into the quarter finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Inter Milan fullback was in sizzling form, as the Dutch held off a hard-fighting and determined American side, who were punctured by his third goal in the 81^st minute.

Dumfries set up goals for Memphis Depay and Daley Blind before USA halved the deficit through Haji Wright, but the wingback scored the third for Netherlands just 10 minutes later to extinguish any hopes of a comeback.

The Dutch were fluent as always and took advantage of USA”s slow start to the game. They punched the first goal just 10 minutes into the game when Depay swept a low shot into the net from a Dumfries cutback.

Netherlands dominate the game

Netherlands continued to dominate the game, though USA gradually grew into it. Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah were constant threats for the USA as they had chances to score. Weah came closest for the Americans when he struck a well taken shot from the edge of the box, but it was saved by the keeper.

While USA grew into the game, they were punctured at the stroke of halftime when Blind scored with his weaker right foot. Again, it was Dumfries who did the damage, finding space on the right before another cutback that was met by the leftback.

In the second half, the Americans were determined to find a way back and they pressed from the word go. They kept the pressure and it bore fruit in the 71^st minute when right scored with an unconventional flick after a well weighted low cross from Pulisic on the right.

All three goals of the game so far were created from the right wing. USA had recycled the ball from a defended corner and managed to play it wide to Pulisic who turned provider.

More confident after the goal

They were now more confident and threw bodies forward in search for the equalizing goal, with more than quarter of an hour at their disposal.

But, as they searched for their second goal, they were punctures when Netherlands scored the third goal with nine minutes left. Blind turned provider, whipping in a cross from the left that was met by Dumfries unmarked at the backpost.

The right back volleyed home on his weaker left foot, to score the sucker punch and completely take the wind off the American sails.

Despite concerted efforts to try and re-start the comeback, Netherlands were disciplined defensively and they ensured they guarded the victory cleanly.