Joel Wilson – Staff Writer
jnw5443@psu.edu

The Netherlands beat the United States 3-1 in the 2022 World Cup round of 16 on Saturday. 

The United States began their World Cup run against Wales. After leading 1-0 for most of the match on a Tim Weah goal, the Welch side evened the score in the final few minutes on a penalty kick. 

Team USA’s next game was against England. The sporting world anticipated this matchup highly, due to the historic rivalry between the two countries, which dates back to 1776. Despite the excitement, both teams failed to score. With a 1-1 draw and a 0-0 draw under their belts, the US was facing elimination if their next match ended in anything but a win. 

Iran was the only obstacle standing between the Americans and the round of 16. Hershey, PA native Christian Pulisic was the deciding factor in that match. 

On a cross, Pulisic made a flying kick towards the ball. His foot connected, and he found the back of the net. On his goal, Pulisic rammed into the Iranian goalkeeper, forcing him to leave due to injury. 

The final few minutes of the game were wrought with tension. There were a few instances in which the Iranian side called for penalties, but none were given. When the final whistle sounded, the Americans fell to the ground in jubilation and exhaustion while looking forward to a round of 16 matchup against the Netherlands. 

On Saturday, the United States and Netherlands met in the first round of the single elimination format. From the round of 16 through the World Cup Final, it is win or go home for every squad.

The USA played well for the first 10 minutes of the match. They were in control of the ball while also managing a shot on goal. Unfortunately, Netherlands forward Memphis Depay found the back of the net in a moment of defensive weakness. 

Just before halftime, the Netherlands tacked on another goal. Midfielder Daley Blind was the culprit this time, putting a cross ball into the lower left hand side of the net during the first and only minute of stoppage time. 

The score would stay 2-0 for most of the second half. In the 76-minute, American forward Haji Wright cut the opposition’s lead to 1 with a deflected shot off his heel. The ball somehow managed to float just beyond the goalkeeper’s grasp. 

The idea of a rally did not last long. 5 minutes after Wright’s goal, Netherland defender Denzel Dumfries extended their lead to 3-1.

The Americans could not regain their momentum during the match’s final minutes. They had one shot on goal, but nothing else to show for their efforts. 

So, the dream of winning a World Cup ended for the United States. While it is disappointing that the team could not bring home the title, American fans can still be proud of their team’s performance. 

The US went toe to toe with the heavily favored England side and managed to come out with a draw. Leading up to the match, English fans were discussing how many goals they would score against the United States, not even considering a loss or draw as an option. The Americans showed grit and proved themselves to be a worthy opponent. 

With political tensions between Iran and the United States, their group stage matchup also possessed a significance that seemed to transcend sport. USA showed outstanding composure under pressure and came away with a win. 

The US Men’s National Team has matured and gained both strength and skill on soccer’s biggest stage. Every American should take pride in this team and give them a hearty welcome home.