Player ratings as Stars and Stripes bow out of World Cup

The Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a fairly comfortable win over the USA.

Despite a slow start, Louis van Gaal’s side grew into the match and caught the US out with some smart counter-attacks.

The USA dominated the early period of the match, their intense pressing a sharp contrast with the more languid style adopted by the Dutch.

Gregg Berhalter’s side could even have taken the lead inside five minutes when Christian Pulisic found himself one on one with Andries Noppert, but the Chelsea winger couldn’t beat the Dutch goalkeeper.

Despite their slow start, the Netherlands scored with their first attack, Memphis Depay completing a lovely back-to-front move featuring 21 passes by sweeping home from Denzel Dumfries’ cutback.

The Dutch had drawn first blood, and they continued to show their threat on the counter almost every time the US gave away possession.

The US showed plenty of energy and desire to impose themselves upon the game, but struggled to penetrate a resolute Dutch defence for the majority of the half.

Their best chance to level the tie came minutes before the end of the half, when Timothy Weah shot from the edge of the box and forced a decent save from Noppert.

And the Stars and Stripes found themselves in even deeper trouble when Daley Blind scored on the stroke of half-time, Dumfries providing the assist in a goal almost identical to the first.

The scoreline felt a little harsh on the US, but the Netherlands showed their tournament experience with a mature display that took advantage of their opponents’ desire to play on the front foot.

As the second half wore on, it was the Netherlands who looked more likely to score the next goal as the Americans’ resolve began to fade.

Then, out of nowhere, it was 2-1. Pulisic flashed the ball across goal from the right and it looped up into the net off the boot of Haji Wright.

There appeared to be more than a sprinkling of good fortune about the goal, but the US didn’t care; they were back in the game, with 15 minutes to save their World Cup.

It was beginning to look like the US might have their opponents on the ropes – but then Dumfries popped up at the far post to volley home from Blind’s cross and seal the victory for the Oranje.

The USA can be proud of their performances at this World Cup and their young squad could well progress further at future tournaments. However, the better side won on the day and it will have been a major learning experience for Berhalter’s side.

Netherlands…