The Netherlands became the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over the United States of America today.
Denzel Dumfries was the standout player for the Dutch, setting up the first two goals and netting a decisive third at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.
After a bright start by the young Americans, the more experienced Dutchmen grew into the game and took the lead in the 10th minute as Memphis Depay smashed home a cutback from Dumfries.
The Netherlands extended their advantage in first-half added time with Dumfries again setting up Daley Blind to convert from inside the American box.
USA pulled one back 14 minutes from full-time when Haji Wright, moments after his shot was blocked on the line, saw his back flick loop over the Dutch defence into the net.
The game became open from the stage, with both sides creating chances, but it was the Dutch who took advantage.
Dumfries himself ended any hopes the Americans had of staging a comeback when he struck in the 81st minute, as fellow wing-back Blind set him up this time.
The Netherlands, who reached the semi-finals the last time they were at the World Cup in 2014, will face either Australia or Argentina in the quarter-finals on Friday.
The Dutch were knocked out in the semi-finals by Argentina in Brazil in 2014, when current head coach Luis van Gaal was also in charge.
