USMNT 'didn't adapt' in knockout round loss to Netherlands
The United States Men's National Team saw its 2022 FIFA World Cup run end on Saturday, falling to the Netherlands 3-1 in the knockout round.
Despite a valiant effort by the US, the Dutch's deadly counter-attack offense was too much for the second youngest team in Qatar. Following the game, Netherlands' manager Louis van Gaal explained why his team came out on top.
The US had the shots lead on Saturday (17-11) but had no answer for Memphis Depay, Denzel Dumfries, and Daley Blind, who dominated play for most of the game.
When speaking with reporters after the loss, USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter tried to put a positive spin on things but admitted how tough it was to stop the Dutch attack.
"They were clinical in their (scoring) opportunities in the first half," Berhalter said via Fox Sports' Doug McIntyre. "Other than that, there wasn't much separating the teams."
The Netherlands got on the board early by attacking the sides. In the 10th minute, Depay buried a beautiful cross from Dumfries by goalkeeper Matt Turner.
The Dutch doubled their advantage, attacking the sides once again. This time, Dumfries connected on another remarkable crossing pass to Blind, who scored to make it 2-0 with only seconds to go before halftime.
Haji Wright finally got the US on the board in the 76th minute, whether purposely or not, tipping a cross from Christian Pulisic up and over Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert and into the net.
Five minutes later, Dumfries would put the game away, punching the Netherlands' ticket to the World Cup Quarterfinals.
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