Can USA beat Netherlands at World Cup? USMNT with huge opportunity against Dutch in Round of 16 knockout stage

Kyle Bonn

Can USA beat Netherlands at World Cup? USMNT with huge opportunity against Dutch in Round of 16 knockout stage image

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.

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.

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.