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.
Louis van Gaal: "The #USMNT didn't adapt, they didn't adjust, we made our tactical plan based on [targeting the flanks]."
— Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) December 3, 2022
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.
Netherlands takes the lead!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
Memphis Depay gets things started for Oranje pic.twitter.com/qu4cljENCn
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.
The Netherlands make it two!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
In the final seconds of the first half, Daley Blind makes it 2-0 pic.twitter.com/pZThbgnKUK
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.
THERE IT IS!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
THE @USMNT TAKES ONE BACK pic.twitter.com/ZaxPsw2pNU
Five minutes later, Dumfries would put the game away, punching the Netherlands' ticket to the World Cup Quarterfinals.
The Netherlands scores a third!
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 3, 2022
Netherlands now leads the USMNT 3-1 late in the second half pic.twitter.com/HsmcVco9V2
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!