The Netherlands recorded a 3-1 victory to defeat the USA in the last 16 thanks to a stellar performance by wing-back Denzel Dumfries. The Inter defender was a constant threat up and down the right flank all game and helped his side through to the quarter-finals by getting on the scoresheet and also providing two assists. Memphis Depay opened the scoring with a superb finish after around ten minutes of play before Daley Blind doubled the Dutch’s lead on the stroke of half time. Substitute Haji Wright gave the United States a way back into the match with around 15 minutes to go but Dumfries secured the victory for the Netherlands shortly after with a finish at the back post. So, here’s our Netherlands player ratings for their victory over the USA.
The Netherlands (4-3-3):
Andries Noppert – 7
Made a crucial save to deny Christian Pulisic in the opening minutes. Quick off his line to get to the ball ahead of Wright in the second half with the scores at 2-1. The game could have been a lot different if Pulisic opened the scoring in the opening phases.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Made a couple of good tackles and clearances and didn’t look in any danger throughout.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Looked comfortable here and also made a couple of good headed clearances.
Nathan Ake – 7.5
Made a couple of good defensive headers and also a couple of strong challenges throughout. Very solid at the back.
Denzel Dumfries – 10
A ten out of ten performance by Dumfries today over at right wing-back. Cut the ball back superbly for Depay for the opener after advancing down the right flank. Set up the second goal for the Netherlands too in similar fashion, cutting the ball back for Daley Blind. Was a constant attacking threat down the right-hand side and also made an excellent clearance near the goal line to deny Wright after the Depay back pass. Topped his spectacular performance off by scoring the Netherlands’ third goal of the game at the back post.
Marten de Roon – 5
Won a couple of headers and made a couple of clearances but didn’t do much before being subbed off at the break.
Frenkie de Jong – 7
Lovely pass to set Depay away on the attack down the left flank on the counter in the first half. Excellent pass out to Jurrien Timber in the first half, playing well in tight spaces and controlling the tempo.
Daley Blind – 9
Doubled the Dutch lead just moments before the break, applying a decent finish from inside the box. Also supplied an excellent cross for the Netherlands’ third goal of the game. Solid defensively and was brilliant going forward.
Davy Klaassen – 5
Won the ball back well in the midfield to start a Dutch attack in the first half but did give the ball away cheaply a couple of times. Subbed off at half time.
Memphis Depay – 8
Almost gifted the USA a way back into the match with a poor back pass in the second half but overall put in a very good display here. Depay finished off a wonderful Dutch move to open the scoring after around ten minutes of play, comfortably slotting the ball past Matt Turner with an assured finish. Was a threat in behind the USA defense throughout.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Picked the ball up in a couple of threatening positions and created a couple of chances but didn’t do too much to impact the game.
Substitutions
Teun Koopmeiners – 6
Assured in possession but booked for a late challenge on Pulisic.
Steven Bergwijn – 6
Looked okay at times but lacked quality.