The eighth finals at the 2022 World Cup kick off with a duel between the Netherlands team and the United States. The Netherlands qualified by finishing first in Group A, while the United States finished second in Group B behind England. Will the Netherlands manage to reach the quarter-finals of this World Cup or will the tournament end here? We look ahead in this preview with our preview with prediction, betting tip and quotes for the Netherlands against the United States.
Netherlands World Cup 2022 – Latest Team News and Statistics
With seven points from three matches, the Netherlands have qualified for the eighth finals as number one. Even in the third group match, national coach Louis van Gaal’s team failed to convince. Qatar were beaten 2-0 in a mediocre game. Cody Gakpo is one of the few Oranje players who is enjoying a strong tournament. The PSV striker proved this again against Qatar, shooting Oranje into a 1-0 lead with his third goal at this World Cup. Frenkie de Jong put the 2-0 final score on the scoreboard just after half-time.
Yet afterwards, there was once again criticism of the weak play of Oranje. National coach Louis van Gaal disagreed and was proud of reaching the eighth finals. Television viewers are not quite warming to our Oranje yet either. The Netherlands – Qatar is the only watched match of the Dutch team at a final tournament this century.
Memphis Depay started in the starting line-up for the first time this tournament. The Barcelona striker was involved in the 2-0 and was substituted after 66 minutes. Xavi Simons, to the displeasure of many, got no minutes in the game against Qatar. Like Noa Lang, Tyrell Malacia and Jeremie Frimpong, he has not played a single minute this tournament.
Moreover, Frimpong injured his ankle at training the day after the game with Qatar. Whether the defender will be fit enough to play against the United States is uncertain. Stefan de Vrij, who has also not yet been in action this tournament, trained separately from the group and is therefore a question mark.
United States World Cup 2022 – Latest Team News and Statistics
The United States have qualified for the eighth finals through a victory over Iran (0-1), as number two in Group B. Christian Pulisic scored the only goal seven minutes before half-time. The Chelsea attacking midfielder did get injured in the process. After treatment on the pitch, he played out the first half, but did not return after half-time. After examination in hospital, the United States star player was found to have suffered a pelvic contusion. Via social media, Puplisic has since indicated that he will be able to play as normal on Saturday.
The Americans remain unbeaten at this World Cup thanks to the victory over Iran. Earlier, they played 1-1 and 0-0 draw against Wales and England respectively. Especially against the English, national coach Gregg Berhalter’s team impressed with strong attacking play.
Apart from the still uncertain Pulisic, Berhalter has a fit squad at his disposal. However, five men, including former Ajax player Sergiño Dest, are on alert. If they are shown a yellow card, they will miss a possible quarter-final.
Netherlands – United States previous encounters
The Dutch team can draw confidence from the figures of previous encounters between them and the United States. Both countries have faced each other five times before. Of the five games played (all friendly), the Netherlands won as many as four. The eight-final match will be the first time the two countries meet at a World Cup.
The first meeting between the Netherlands and the US was in 1998. In Miami, the Netherlands won 2-0 through goals by Ronald de Boer and Clarence Seedorf. Four years later, goals by Roy Makaay and Andy van der Meyde made the difference: 0-2. In 2004 and 2010, the Netherlands won 1-0 and 2-1 in Amsterdam.
From the last encounter, the United States can draw confidence. In 2015, it was 1-1 at halftime and the Netherlands also looked set to win the fifth mutual game, when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Depay made it 3-1 within the hour. However, the Americans came back strongly and won 3-4 through goals in the 89th and 90th minutes. The winning goal was scored by substitute Bobby Shou Wood.
Netherlands – United States, World Cup 2022 Betting Tip & Odds
The Dutch national team, despite mediocre play in the group stage, is indeed the favourite in this first-eight final. A win for Orange has odds 1.94 odds. A win for the United States has odds of 4.40.
We do not dare to pick a winner for this game. However, we do think that the attacking-minded America can make it difficult for the Dutch defence and the United States scores at least once. We also expect the Netherlands to score at least one goal. Indeed, since the lost game with the Czech Republic at the 2021 European Championship (0-2), the Dutch have scored at least once every game. Our betting tip is therefore: Both teams score – Yes. This can yield a generous doubling of your bet at Unibet: 2.07.
- Tip: Both teams score – Yes
- Odds: 2.07 at bookmaker Unibet
- Risk assessment: Medium
- Recommended stake: 5/10