Holland is the first national team to get through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. With a 3-1 over the United States at the end of a beautiful game, the oranjes rejoice and wait to know the winner of Argentina-Australia that they will face tonight. Goals from Depay and Blind were decisive in the first half, both born from assists from Dumfries, and from the same Inter fullback who ended each speech 9′ from the end. In the middle, Wright’s (a bit lucky) back-heel goal and many chances for the United States who already came close to taking the lead with Pulisic in the 3′ minute: on the American’s left-footed Noppert is literally decisive. But at the first chance Holland passes. Low cross from Dumfries for Depay’s cross right foot that places it in the corner and signs the 1-0. The US reaction was not long in coming. Again Pulisic (13′) but no one arrives on his central ball. And after a central phase of stalemate at the end of time, the match ignites both with an opportunity for Weah (43′) on which Noppert surpasses himself, and with the Dutch encore in the 1′ of added time: again perfect assistance from Dumfries and Blind , with the right, stabs Turner.
In a recovery full of emotions, the first opportunity is registered in the United States. Following a corner, the ball hits Ream’s knee (4′) with the Dutch defense reactive in saving on the line. The United States pressed and in the 9th minute they showed up again in Noppert’s area: McKennie’s kick from outside ended up too high, however.
In the quarter of an hour the Netherlands rekindled with a wild Depay who, from the edge of the area, forced Turner to lift the ball over the crossbar.
The upheavals in front are continuous. After the stars and stripes chance, it was once again the Netherlands that made themselves extremely dangerous first with Koopmeiners (26′) who called Turner to dive, and then with Depay on whose header the American goalkeeper (even if the position was irregular) wonder again. Very high rhythms, there is not a moment of respite.
Half an hour passes when the United States are one step away from re-entering the race. De Jong sensationally misses a back pass, Wright anticipates Noppert but the ball widens too much and Dumfries’ intervention on the line is determined in the conclusion. However, sixty seconds pass and the challenge reopens for real. Pulisic’s cross from the right, Wright almost touches it with the ball that rears up and ends up behind Noppert with an incredible trajectory. The hopes of the United States to capture Holland last the space of five minutes. From the left-handed lane Blind draws Dumfries who, all alone, beats Turner with his left-handed volley and with nine from the 90th minute he effectively closes the score.
