The United States ground out a gutsy win over Iran in the final match of their 2022 World Cup group stage slate, sealing a date with the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
While fans are still celebrating the victory, which came at a time when a win was the only result that would see the USMNT through, the focus now turns to their next opponent.
Ranked 8th in the world by FIFA, the Netherlands are coached by former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, who is in his third stint as coach of the Dutch side. The Oranj have not lost under Van Gaal since he most recently hired in September of 2021, a run of 18 matches unbeaten.
The United States, meanwhile, has only advanced past the Round of 16 once in World Cup history, back in 2002 when they defeated Mexico by a 2-0 score. Thus, they have never defeated a non-CONCACAF nation in the World Cup knockout stage. Could this match be the first? They'll need their very best to come away victorious.
MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)
USA vs. Netherlands odds for World Cup Round of 16 match
The United States are significant underdogs in the match, opening at over 3/1 odds. The Netherlands are -120 favorites on the moneyline to win in regulation.
Bookmakers don't expect the United States to find ways to score, having only grabbed two goals through their three group stage games. The under is a big favorite, while the "no" response of both teams to score is also swayed.
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and Ladbrokes (Australia).
A reminder: All moneyline bets in soccer are for regulation only, regardless of competition. If the match requires a winner and goes to extra-time or penalties, a moneyline bet of a regulation draw is successful and the rest of play does not factor in.
MORE: Player ratings, grades for USMNT squad that topped Iran 1-0 in World Cup group stage
| BetMGM | Sports Interaction | SkyBet | Ladbrokes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands win | -120 | 1.84 | 5/6 | 5/6 |
| Draw | +240 | 3.35 | 12/5 | 23/10 |
| USA win | +333 | 4.21 | 18/5 | 18/5 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | +100 / -145 | 1.96 / 1.67 | 11/10, 4/6 | 1/1, 8/11 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | +115 / -160 | 2.17 / 1.61 | 5/4, 4/7 | 6/5, 8/13 |
| Netherlands -0.5 | -130 | 1.83 | — | — |
| USA +0.5 | -110 | 1.91 | — | — |
| Netherlands advance | -250 | 1.41 | 4/11 | 2/5 |
| USA advance | +170 | 2.70 | 2/1 | 9/5 |
Has the USA ever beaten the Netherlands?
Saturday's game will not only be the first World Cup game contested by the two nations but also their first ever competitive meeting. However, they have met in friendlies five times previously, with the first coming in 1998.
USA vs. Netherlands all-time record: USA 1 win, Netherlands 4 wins, 0 draws
| Date | Competition | Result | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun. 5, 2015 | International Friendly | Netherlands 3-4 USA | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Mar. 3, 2010 | International Friendly | Netherlands 2-1 USA | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Feb. 18, 2004 | International Friendly | Netherlands 1-0 USA | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| May 19, 2002 | International Friendly | USA 0-2 Netherlands | Boston, MA, USA |
| Feb. 21, 1998 | International Friendly | USA 0-2 Netherlands | Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA |
MORE: USA vs. Netherlands results and history
Can the USMNT beat the Netherlands at the World Cup?
If there's ever going to be a reasonably favorable Round of 16 draw for a USA side that did not win its group, this is it.
Because Group A features the host nation from Pot 1 rather than a traditional Pot 1 team, the U.S. will get a chance to match up against a Pot 2 team in the Round of 16 instead.
The Netherlands were far from impressive in the group stage, although they did improve as the matches went on. Their worst performance was their second match, when they were beaten up and down the field by an energetic and organized Ecuador side who managed a 1-1 draw.
Even their opener against Senegal felt shaky, as they were pushed to the brink and required a pair of late goals to skate by with all three points.
Will Christian Pulisic play vs. Netherlands at the World Cup?
A huge piece of this match will hinge on whether Christian Pulisic will play for the United States against the Netherlands.
The U.S. star was forced off injured against Iran, hurting himself in the act of scoring the game's only goal. It was a career-defining moment that was somewhat robbed from the American soccer icon as he lay clutching his stomach.
U.S. Soccer announced after the match that Pulisic had been taken to the hospital, which Gregg Berhalter said was a "precaution." A photo of Pulisic from his hospital bed made the rounds on social media, as he seemed to claim he'll pass fit for the Netherlands match.
Weston McKennie also claimed after the match that the team FaceTimed with Pulisic and he said he'd be ready to go. We'll believe it when we see it, as his injury looked, well, extremely painful.
Weston McKennie tells reporters that Christian Pulisic told his team on FaceTime that “you best believe” he’ll be ready to play against the Netherlands on Saturday. #USMNT
— Doug McIntyre (@ByDougMcIntyre) November 29, 2022
MORE: Christian Pulisic injury update
Matt Turner must channel Tim Howard vs. Belgium against Netherlands
If the United States is to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for the second time ever, they will need to have Matt Turner play the game of his life.
The Arsenal goalkeeper has been spectacular this tournament, both stopping shots and distributing the ball in possession. He conceded zero goals from open play through the three group stage matches, although he's faced just 0.72 expected goals on target (xGOT) not including Gareth Bale's penalty.
Meanwhile, Turner's distribution has been sensational. He's completing 74 percent of his passes, including 40 percent on long deliveries, which are both exceptional numbers for a goalkeeper.
He will need both aspects of his game to be in top form against the Netherlands. Tim Howard made a World Cup record 16 saves against Belgium in 2014 when the United States came so close to beating Belgium, and Matt Turner will need to have his own moment in the sun for the U.S. to have a chance.
Matt Turner appreciation post 🙏 pic.twitter.com/YtAUb8D4Zc
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) November 29, 2022
