THE NETHERLANDS are through to the World Cup last-16 where they will play the USA.
The Dutch topped Group A after getting seven points from their three group stage games.
Cody Gakpo has announced himself on the world stage too, as he sits joint-top of the Golden Boot race in Qatar.
But they have a tricky test to face next, as they prepare for a clash against USA, who managed to get a 0-0 draw out of top scorers at the World Cup England.
The US managed to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition with a 1-0 win over Iran.
And they’ll certainly fancy their chances against the Netherlands who, like their last-16 opponents, failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2018.
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How did they get here?
Netherlands ended the group stages on top and unbeaten, with only Ecuador able to squeeze a point out of them.
2-0 wins over Senegal and Qatar either side of Ecuador saw Louis Van Gaal’s side finish in pole postion.
It was a slightly more difficult for the USA who earned a win and two draws to secure their place in the knockout round.
After two points from their first two games against Wales and England, a Christian Pulisic goal gave them the win against Iran, propelling the Yanks to second in the group.
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Pulisic should be ready despite coming off at half time against Iran.
The Chelsea forward scored the winning goal but was injured after clashing with the Iran goalkeeper before netting.
The injury was diagnosed as a pelvic contusion and Pulisic has declared he will be raring to go against Virgil van Dijk and Co.
Cody Gakpo will be part of Netherlands’ forward line again, and he’ll be looking to add to his tally of three goals in Qatar.
Who will be the star men?
PSV superstar Gakpo has exploded on to the world scene during the competition, becoming the first Holland player ever to score in all three group games.
The 23-year-old forward will be looking to add to his three-goal tally that sees him joint top of the Golden Boot race.
Pulisic has been the man pulling the strings for the USA, scoring the vital goal against Iran and winning man of the match against England.
Fellow forward Timothy Weah has also put in some impressive showings and will be looking to add to his goal in their opening match against Wales.
What’s the head to head?
The Dutch have come out on top in four of the five games between the two sides, all of which being international friendlies,
It was the USA who prevailed in their most recent outing however, as they were on the right side of a seven-goal-thriller, with the match ending 4-3.
SunSport Prediction
Netherlands 3 USA 1
When is Netherlands vs USA?
- Netherlands will play their last-16 clash with USA on Saturday, December 3.
- The match will get underway from 3pm UK time.
- Netherlands vs USA will take place at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Netherlands vs USA will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
- Coverage of the clash will get going from 2.30pm GMT.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, Netherlands vs USA is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a TV licence.
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Odds
- Netherlands – 19/20
- Draw – 23/10
- USA – 17/5
- Netherlands to qualify – 2/5
- USA to qualify – 15/8
*Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
