_{Creative design thanks to Canva}

When Australia marked one of the biggest upsets in World Cup 2022, defeating #10 ranked Denmark in their last assignment in the group stages, it's already a big achievement for the Aussies who suffered continuous group stage exits in 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cup edition. It's already a big achievement for the Socceroos to advance and the Dutch are a formidable opponent that they can be proud bowing as they exit the knock out stage.

USA, who did not even qualify in the 2018 World Cup, manage to edge Iran and Wales in the group stage. A very young squad, led by Chelsea man Christian Pulisic. In fact in the match against Netherlands, they were astounding, creating chances after chances but weren't able to capitalize. I'd like to express my observation with how Netherlands winning approach against the Americans.

Argentina were the Better Team

There was no doubt in the match that the Albiceleste were far superior in their match against Australia. Numbers/stats don't lie and if you'll see it, it is completely one-sided. Meanwhile if you look at the dying minutes, you can see that Australia can even win if they were able to capitalize their chances.

The goal by Messi in the 35th-minute that broke the silence was a very simple, yet effective goal that went through despite 10 Australians are present inside the box. That full defense position, relying on quick counter-attack was not sufficient to prevent that goal.

The goal by Alvarez was simply a defensive collapse by the Australians. The continued pressure by the their front men proved to be worthy as Alvarez took advantage of that crucial defensive mistake. That made them have a comfortable lead as they approach the dying minutes of the game.

The Dutch kept their Composure

_{Netherlands celebrating after a comfortable lead against USA, in the Fifa KO stage, photo courtesy of The Times of India}

The match proved that Netherlands truly belong being in the top ten in the World. Their recent performances:

• 2010 World Cup runner-up (lost against Spain 1-0)
• 2014 World Cup 2nd runner-up (lost against Argentina in penalties Semi-finals)
• Did not qualify in 2018 World Cup

Though did not qualify in the 2018 World Cup, 2010 and 2014 were one of their best years, they just fell short. But ultimately, they cemented that Dutch football is at its peak even after the Robben, Sneijder, Kuyt, Van Persie era.

The current generation now led by Virgil Van Dijk, the liverpool central defender who's nearing his retirement age. The youngsters Frenkie de Jong, De Ligt, Humphries, Xavi Simons, and Gakpo are leading the way for the Dutch approaching to the goal. Forwards Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong

USA on the other hand are a squad full of young talents, but with little to none world cup experiences. They have a solid young talent. The likes of Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest, McKennie, Weah, Zimmerman, Reyna, Aaronson, and Musah. With an average age of 25 years old, that can atleast sustain two more world cups for the Americans paired with young bright new generation of players especially that Major League Soccer, the official football league of USA is getting so much attention and competitiveness.

USA led in statistics but its a combination of being unlucky, lower chance to be converted to goals, and just not going into their favor. The build up, systematic approach, and the danger are there for the Americans especially on the side of Timothy Weah, who continuously puts so much pressure alongside with Sergino Dest (right back).

Netherlands on the other hand were able to capitalize some of their chances, converted into goals. Their goal were easy passes that if they were properly closed/defended, could've been a goal prevention. There was no fancy assists that happened, purely systematic, traditional style of football. Netherlands enjoyed such win because it is also a very good preparation against Argentina - this will be one of the epic matches that'll happen.

If incase you missed my other World cup related posts, you can check it below:

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