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Netherlands vs USA LIVE: World Cup 2022 team news and line-ups as Christian Pulisic and Jesus Ferreira start

The Netherlands face the USA as the World Cup knockout stage begins in Qatar. The opening last-16 clash of the tournament sees the winners of Group A, the Netherlands, take on the runners-up of Group B, the USA, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

It’s been an unpredictable World Cup so far, perhaps the most ever following a chaotic group stage, and both of these teams will be looking to defy the odds and embark on a deep tournament run. Louis van Gaal’s Dutch side have faced criticism back home for the manner in which they finished ahead of Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar in Group A, with the goals of breakout star forward Cody Gakpo so far being their lone bright spark.

The USA, meanwhile, are daring to dream after battling past Iran to qualify behind England in Group B. Christian Pulisic has been cleared to face the Netherlands after he was injured while scoring the winner against Iran, while the USA will look to cause the Dutch problems with their energy and physicality in midfield. The USA have not made it past the last-16 of a men’s World Cup since 2002.

Follow all the action with our live blog below

Netherlands vs USA latest updates

  • Netherlands face USA in last 16 of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar - with kick-off at 3pm GMT (10am ET)

  • Netherlands TEAM NEWS: Memphis Depay named in Louis van Gaal’s starting XI

  • USA TEAM NEWS: Christian Pulisic cleared to start

  • Netherlands finished top of Group A with Cody Gakpo scoring three goals in three games

  • USA claimed second place in Group B after crucial win over Iran sealed knockout spot

  • Winner faces either Argentina or Australia in the quarter-finals

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

21:46 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina survive high-wire act of hope and fear for one more day

By Ben Burrows at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

The reaction said it all, Emiliano Martinez sprawled, spent, his very last drop given in the cause of his country. Nicolas Otamendi knew it too, collapsed alongside his goalkeeper, a win and a place in the last eight of this World Cup only then finally and mercifully secured.

It had taken every drop, every sinew for the two-time winners, dreamers of a third in a fortnight’s time, to survive an onslaught from an Australia that never thought they would be here at all.

Their fairytale tournament is now over, the stadium they qualified for Qatar in a year ago against Peru, now the scene of their exit from it.

It took Lionel Messi to save Argentina again, Julian Alvarez too, and Martinez alongside them at the last to get them there but there they are, the Netherlands, foes so many times on this grandest of stages, their next step on their journey towards the trophy they crave the most.

That desire can be felt at all of these Argentina games at this World Cup, a feeling in the air you just can’t shake. You could feel it outside the stadium walking in for this last-16 tie, the supporters here at this tournament as so many before it perpetually caught between hope and fear. Hope that this time, finally, it might just be their time. Fear though, that, again, it won’t be once more.

Argentina survive high-wire act of hope and fear for one more day

ARGENTINA 2-1 AUSTRALIA - MATCH REPORT

21:33 , Kieran Jackson

By Miguel Delaney at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium

A touch, quite literally, of genius. As he hit a millennium of appearances, Leo Messi offered a moment that showed why he is not just the player of his generation but perhaps any generation.

There was no upset on this landmark occasion, but instead a suitably signature goal. Messi scored one of his trademark finishes, that exquisitely accurate slide into the corner, but on a stage he never has before. It was his first goal in a World Cup knock-out match, on his ninth such fixture.

It set Argentina on the way to a tough 2-1 win over a valiant Australian team, who continued to give a fine account of themselves right until the very end. For all the issues they gave Argentina, too - particularly for one defiant defensive challenge from Lisandro Martinez and one brilliant save from Emiliano Martinez when equalisers seemed certain - the wonder is whether that goal will also set them on the way to the final.

Lionel Scaloni’s side do not look anywhere near as good as their long unbeaten run suggested, but they have a dogged momentum that will be difficult for better sides to play against, and is only further driven by thousands of raucous fans who make every match here seem like a home game.

It is a genuine experience to be at a stadium for an Argentina game, even in a host country as controversial and oddly stale as this.

It is of course an experience to watch Messi in a game like this, on an occasion, especially with the manner he again grew into a game.

Lionel Messi’s touch of genius showed why he is the greatest player of any generation

Argentina 2-1 Australia player ratings as Lionel Messi scores first World Cup knockout goal in 1,000th match

21:15 , Kieran Jackson

Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup knockout goal as Argentina defeated Australia to advance to the quarter-finals and a meeting with the Netherlands.

In his 1,000th competitive match for club and country, Messi brought what was largely an uneventful first half into life as he coolly slotted the opening goal past Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Australia were able to get into half-time only a goal down but their slim hopes looked to have faded when Ryan was caught on the ball by Rodrigo De Paul, with Julian Alvarez finishing into an empty net.

Australia produced a response, though, after Aziz Behich’s shot deflected off Enzo Fernandez and into the net. Behich was then denied a sublime solo goal by a terrific Lisandro Martinez block, as Argentina were made to hang on for their win. Emiliano Martinez was even forced into a last-gasp save to deny Garang Kuol.

Argentina will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday, in what is a rematch from the 2014 semi-finals.

Here are how the Argentina players rated.

Lionel Messi scores first World Cup knockout goal to light up 1,000th match

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

21:04 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina celebrate wildly in front of their fans - they stay in Qatar and will face the Netherlands on Friday.

Australia oh so valiant in defeat. They’ve done their nation proud.

What an ending though!

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 (Getty Images for Football Austra)
(Getty Images for Football Austra)

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:59 , Kieran Jackson

FULL-TIME: Argentina - in the end - squeeze through to the quarter-finals!

Lionel Messi stole the show, scoring a brilliant opener, before Mat Ryan gifted Julian Alvarez a second goal for Argentina!

Yet Australia fought back! They got a lucky goal from Enzo Fernandez’s deflection and were so close to a stunning equaliser right at the end!

But it’s Argentina - and Messi - who will face the Netherlands on Friday!

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:57 , Kieran Jackson

90+7 mins: Australia’s 18-year-old sub Garang Kuol so close to a shock equaliser!

The ball breaks to Kuol at the back post and he shoots, but Emi Martinez saves brilliantly with his right arm!

So close for the Socceroos!

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:55 , Kieran Jackson

90+5 mins: Carnage in the Australia penalty area!

Martinez has another shot saved by Ryan before Messi can’t control his follow-up!

How have Argentina not put this to bed? Australia still just a goal shy...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:53 , Kieran Jackson

90+3 mins: De ja vu!

Messi feeds in Martinez and this time the striker forces Ryan into a save, good stop!

Messi then gets the ball again and has a go himself, curling it just wide!

Still 2-1 though...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:51 , Kieran Jackson

90 mins: Seven minutes of added-time. Will Australia get another chance?

All they need is one more opening...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:49 , Kieran Jackson

89 mins: What a miss from Lautaro Martinez!

Messi does all the hard work, feeding in the Argentina substitute but he strikes over!

Australia still in this! Just!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia

20:42 , Kieran Jackson

81 mins: Australia’s Aziz Behich is so close to goal of the tournament!

From his position at left back, he surges into the box - beating four players - before Lisandro Martinez gets in with a last-ditch tackle!

That would have been incredible! How this match has turned in the last five minutes!

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-1 Australia (Goodwin, 77)

20:38 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! Oh who saw this coming?!

Craig Goodwin has a long-range shot which is sailing wide until it takes a wicked deflection off Enzo Fernandez and skids into the bottom-corner.

It’ll probably go down as a Fernandez own-goal to be fair... but there was nothing Emiliano Martinez could do! And, out of nothing, Australia are back in this!

They couldn’t, could they?

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Australia

20:36 , Kieran Jackson

75 mins: Tagliafico surges down the left but he skews his shot wide.

Bright from the Argentina sub early on though!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Australia

20:33 , Kieran Jackson

71 mins: Argentina, in cruise control now, make a double substitution: Alvarez and Acuna OFF; Martinez and Tagliafico ON.

Australia make a triple substitution: Duke, McGree and Leckie OFF; Maclaren, Karacic and Hrustic ON.

Australia yet to test Emi Martinez in the Argentina goal...

 (Getty Images for Football Austra)
(Getty Images for Football Austra)

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Australia

20:26 , Kieran Jackson

66 mins: Acuna whips in a beautiful ball which Alvarez misses in the penalty area!

Then, Messi has a shot from long-range but this one is high into the stands.

Even the best sometimes get it wrong!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Australia

20:25 , Kieran Jackson

65 mins: Unbelievable play from Lionel Messi!

He dribbles past two players in the centre of the pitch with his lightning feet and then almost gets a shot off in the box after an exchange of passes.

Sensational stuff! Australia clear their lines from the corner...

Meanwhile, here’s Alvarez’s goal.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Australia

20:23 , Kieran Jackson

63 mins: Australia have a free-kick out on the left: Goodwin’s left-foot delivery is too long though, and Australia regain their shape, eventually clearing their lines.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 2-0 Australia (Alvarez, 57)

20:18 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! Oh Mathew Ryan what are you doing!

It’s a nightmare for the Australia goalkeeper! He takes a heavy touch with De Paul and Julian Alvarez pressing, and Alvarez simply finishes into an empty net!

The one time Argentina press intensely, they get their rewards! Breathing space for Argentina!

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

20:14 , Kieran Jackson

53 mins: Otamendi’s back-pass to Emi Martinez is soft - and the Argentina keeper JUST gets there first and kicks out of play!

Let-off for Argentina!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

20:12 , Kieran Jackson

51 mins: Messi just stumbles as he shoots from the edge of the box... and it’s comfortable for Ryan.

Argentina dominating the ball, as they switch to five at the back.

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

20:10 , Kieran Jackson

49 mins: Interesting tactical switch for Argentina.

Papu Gomez, who looks like he has an injury, comes off for Lisandro Martinez. A defender replaces an attacker. Fascinating!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

20:06 , Kieran Jackson

SECOND-HALF: No changes at the break and we’re back underway at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

20:05 , Kieran Jackson

Messi scored with the only shot on target in that first-half. Clinical.

How can Australia turn this around?

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA - MATCH REPORT

20:00 , Kieran Jackson

By Richard Jolly at the Khalifa International Stadium

The American dream is over but Louis van Gaal can still imagine glory. The Netherlands manager may have been in a minority of one when arguing his team could win the World Cup 2022 but his side marched into the quarter-finals with their best performance of tournament so far. There was vindication in victory for Van Gaal as the Oranje prospered courtesy of his blueprint.

The 71-year-olds has been criticised for abandoning the Dutch tradition of wingers, but his wing-backs proved potent. The second goal was created by Denzel Dumfries for Daley Blind, the third a role reversal.

Dumfries delivered the star turn, with two assists, a goal and a goal-line clearance. Only Johan Cruyff and Rob Rensenbrink had been directly involved in three goals in a World Cup game for the Dutch side before so Dumfries finds himself in elite company.

The other scorers were two survivors of the squad Van Gaal took to the semi-finals in 2014 and then to Manchester United, in Memphis Depay and Blind. Yet while his old boys helped, it was a triumph for the oldest manager in Qatar, a Van Gaal masterclass.

Netherlands’ first-half double seemed to stem from his tactics board, each coming from a low cutback from Dumfries towards the penalty spot. Both were the result of his positioning, with Van Gaal using the wing-back’s pace to get into space behind Antonee Robinson.

Van Gaal masterclass sees Netherlands beat USA to cruise into quarter-finals

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

19:50 , Kieran Jackson

HALF-TIME: Argentina ahead at the break, through Lionel Messi’s first ever goal in a World Cup knockout game!

Australia have made it difficult - and Argentina have literally had one chance. But that was enough for some Messi magic.

Argentina heading for a date with the Netherlands on Friday in the quarter-finals...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

19:48 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Two minutes of added-time at the end of what has been a pretty sub-standard first-half.

The only piece of magic? Messi’s goal.

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

19:45 , Kieran Jackson

42 mins: Messi goes on another dribble but Souttar gets a decent foot in and the pair collide. Funny enough, Messi comes off worse in the battle between a 6”6’ defende and a 5”7’ striker.

Fair challenge!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia

19:40 , Kieran Jackson

38 mins: Australia right back Milos Degenek in the book for a palm to the face of Marcos Acuña.

Tad harsh.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 1-0 Australia (Messi, 35)

19:38 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! It just had to be him! It just had to be Lionel Messi!

Messi’s free-kick is cleared but the ball falls back to him on the right. A quick exchange of passes, with Otamendi laying it off to the Argentina captain in the box, and he sweeps the ball into the far corner beyond Matt Ryan!

He has his 789th goal in his 1,000th match! Did you ever doubt it?!

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:36 , Kieran Jackson

34 mins: Bit of a square-up between Lionel Messi and Aziz Behich on the wing as they squabble for the ball.

It’s just getting a little bit heated here, as Behich then gives away a free-kick on the right!

Messi to deliver...

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World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:35 , Kieran Jackson

33 mins: It’s a poor deliver from the ex-Huddersfield man - overhit and out of play.

Lack of quality so far, particularly in the final third.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:33 , Kieran Jackson

31 mins: Messi with his first genuine dribble in the centre of the park towards the box... but Australia midfielder Keanu Baccus gets a foot on the ball to intercept.

The Socceroos now have a free-kick out wide, Mooy to take!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:31 , Kieran Jackson

28 mins: Cristian Romero with a skewed clearance leads to another Australia corner...

Harry Souttar is first to the header but there’s just too many bodies in the box!

Australia on top at the moment!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:27 , Kieran Jackson

24 mins: Australia have the first corner of the game, but it’s cleared comfortably by Argentina.

Has to be said - it’s not been the best game so far. Bit of a deadlock at the moment.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:24 , Kieran Jackson

21 mins: Aussie boss Graham Arnold will be happy with his team’s start - they’re actually keeping the ball pretty well amongst their backline, with Argentina opting not to press up high.

Comfortable enough so far are the Socceroos.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:19 , Kieran Jackson

17 mins: Gomez - who replaced Di Maria in the starting line-up - cuts in from the right but his shot is wayward, high and wide!

Australia, so far, doing a decent job. They’ll be happy with shots from that range...

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:18 , Kieran Jackson

15 mins: Early booking for Jackson Irvine for a bit of a stamp on Acuna.

Nasty one that, simple yellow for the Aussie forward.

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:12 , Kieran Jackson

9 mins: Argentina, as you might expect, dominant in the early stages - but Australia are remaining solid in their shape. Slow build-up play thus far... Julian Alvarez was found by Nicholas Otamendi over the top but the Man City man couldn’t control the ball.

A few early fouls early on too, on the man of the moment Messi.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:07 , Kieran Jackson

4 mins: Early appeal for handball in the Australia box by the Argentina squad - it was Baccus whose hand was a little bit out.

Seen them given! Aussies get away with it!

World Cup 2022: Argentina 0-0 Australia

19:00 , Kieran Jackson

KICK-OFF: We’re underway at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium!

Argentina in their usual blue-and-white kit, with Australia in yellow.

Game on!

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia - a reminder of the starting XIs!

18:58 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina starting XI: Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul; Alvarez, Messi, Gomez

Australia starting XI: Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Mooy; Leckie, Irvine, McGree, Baccus; Duke

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

18:54 , Kieran Jackson

The teams are out for this second last-16 clash of the 2022 World Cup!

National anthems coming up...

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

18:49 , Kieran Jackson

The players are back in from their warm-ups and we’re just 10 minutes away from kick-off at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

Argentina are eyeing a place in the quarter-finals - a round they didn’t reach in 2018 - while Australia are looking for a shock spot in the last eight of the World Cup for the first time ever!

This game kicks-off at 6am in Sydney - don’t think that’ll put off the Socceroo fans back home though!

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World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

18:43 , Kieran Jackson

A big blow to Argentina that Angel Di Maria misses out on the starting XI due to a thigh injury!

Papu Gomez replaces the 127-cap star.

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World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

18:36 , Kieran Jackson

Here’s the most incredible stat of the evening...

Against Australia, Lionel Messi will make his 1,000th appearance for Argentina, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

To date he has 788 goals and 338 assists (1,126 goals + assists).

It’s also his 16th World Cup appaearance, equalling Diego Maradona’s record.

 (Getty Images for Football Austra)
(Getty Images for Football Austra)

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

18:30 , Kieran Jackson

There’s been terrific support for both nations at this World Cup and tonight is set to be no different!

Kick-off at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium is just 30 minutes away!

 (Getty Images for Football Austra)
(Getty Images for Football Austra)
 (Getty Images for Football Austra)
(Getty Images for Football Austra)

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

18:20 , Kieran Jackson

Australia to attack Argentina ‘all guns blazing’ in World Cup round of 16

Australia coach Graham Arnold has vowed his side will take on Argentina with “all guns blazing” in their World Cup 2022 last-16 showdown.

The Socceroos were surprise qualifiers from Group D, not least after losing their first match 4-1 against France.

But successive 1-0 wins over Tunisia and Denmark took Australia to the knock-out stages for the first time since 2006, and Arnold insists they are not finished yet.

“Look, the group games are past us and it’s a one-off game, anything could happen,” said Arnold. “It’s 11 v 11, a battle, a war and we’ve got to fight that. We’ll give it everything, all guns blazing.

“We respect Argentina, for sure, but we can’t focus solely on them. We respect them but we respect ourselves and what we bring to the table.”

Arnold feels Australia’s success is payback for a gruelling qualifying campaign, where Covid restrictions back home meant playing most of their matches away, including five in Qatar itself.

“The universe is paying us back for the hard work we put in,” he added. “We played four games out of 20 at home, and we had some hard journeys.”

Australia to attack Argentina ‘all guns blazing’ in World Cup round of 16

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

18:10 , Kieran Jackson

Is this the most unpredictable World Cup in recent history?

The World Cup group stage has thrown up its fair share of surprises in 2022.

Argentina, France, Spain, Portugal and Brazil all suffered defeats against lower-ranked opposition on the way to qualifying for the last 16, while Germany and Belgium exited the competition on the back of shock losses.

Is this unprecedented or simply the continuation of a trend? Here, we compare group stage results in 2022 with the previous six World Cups contested by 32 teams.

This is the first World Cup since the expansion to 32 teams in which no team has qualified from the group stage with a 100 per cent record.

Is this the most unpredictable World Cup in recent history?

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

17:59 , Kieran Jackson

Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream remains alive, but this time thanks to Argentina’s next generation

By Mark Critchley in Doha

If you were watching this game closely enough at home and paying close attention to the far side of the pitch, you may have noticed that there were two tracks of dirt etched into the ground close to the touchline that almost resembled a number 10. A bit like when an elderly person in your local newspaper finds the image of Christ in a burned piece of toast, if you happened to notice it, it was impossible not to read this as a sign. What, if anything, did this mean?

What it meant, actually, was that this was the same area of the pitch where Poland’s players had been doing shuttle runs during their warm-up. While pounding their studs into the ground, they had really marked out two zeros, only the outside of the first was hidden by the darker shade of grass. It was a sign, in a way, but only a sign that while you can squint and strain to see the poetry in life, reality is often far more prosaic.

Argentina will progress to the knockout stages after all. Lionel Messi will be there. The greatest player of his generation is three games away from a World Cup 2022 final. That might be his night, the night that he declares his genius and it is finally undisputed, but this night was not.

It instead belonged to the others helping him get there, the team that he carries and is occasionally carried by, and the generation that will attempt to succeed him when all this is over.

The breakthrough was not found by the best of all time but a 23-year-old playing for Brighton. The second was scored by a 22-year-old, set up by a 21-year-old, all three of them combining to save the blushes of a 35-year-old who had missed a penalty.

Messi’s World Cup dream remains alive, but this time thanks to the next generation

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

17:53 , Kieran Jackson

The teams have arrived at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan!

 (Getty Images for Football Austra)
(Getty Images for Football Austra)
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(Getty Images for Football Austra)

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia - TEAM NEWS

17:44 , Kieran Jackson

Argentina starting XI: Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Acuna; Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul; Alvarez, Messi, Gomez

Papu Gomez is in for Angel Di Maria! We’re hearing Di Maria is injured...

Australia starting XI: Ryan; Degenek, Souttar, Rowles, Behich; Mooy; Leckie, Irvine, McGree, Baccus; Duke

Keanu Baccus preferred to Craig Goodwin!

World Cup 2022: Argentina vs Australia

17:35 , Kieran Jackson

We now turn our attention to the second last-16 tie of the day, with Argentina heavy favourties against Australia.

Lionel Messi and Co got off to a terrible start as they were stunned by Saudi Arabia, but recovered to finish top of Group C after wins against Mexico and Poland.

For Australia - known as the Socceroos - they came second in Group D after brilliant wins against both Tunisia and Denmark after losing to France.

Kick-off at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan is at 7pm (GMT) - team-news on the way!

 (AP)
(AP)
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World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA - Louis van Gaal flips tactical plans to show World Cup he’s still capable of new tricks

17:29 , Kieran Jackson

By Mark Critchley at the Khalifa International Stadium

In a way, this was a victory for the man but not the idea. This was not your typical Louis van Gaal performance. For the first time at this World Cup and for only the second since Van Gaal accepted a third stint in charge, the Netherlands ended a game without dominating the ball. Even when they had a lead to protect against a competitive and combative United States in the first last-16 tie of this World Cup they struggled to hold onto what they had and safely see the game out in the manner Van Gaal watchers have become accustomed to.

And yet in another way, it was the idea that got the man into that position. And once he had got there, he seemed pretty comfortable with it. The Netherlands took a lead that they never relinquished through the best team goal this tournament has seen to date - the goal that, you might say, the 36 year-long coaching career of Aloysius Paulus Maria van Gaal has always been threatening. Then, they always stayed one step ahead of Gregg Berhalter’s side with a game plan that could hardly have been more different.

First to that goal, though. Eleven minutes in, here it was: starting in their own penalty area with Frenkie de Jong dropping between his centre-halves, taking the ball off his goalkeeper, laying it off to his team-mates nearby, offering himself up in space if they came under the slightest bit of trouble. It is the role that this most indefinable of midfielders believes he is best in, because it is from that most unsuspecting of positions that he can lay the groundwork for things of beauty. How else to describe the opener?

It started slowly but built into a crescendo once De Jong’s conducting of the build-up play allowed the ball to break wide left. The pace quickened, from Blind to Memphis to Marten De Roon to Davy Klaasen, this burst of exchanges eliminating a United States midfield that had exceeded expectations at this tournament up until that point. Cody Gakpo, still some 45 yards out from goal, briefly looked tempted to try and score for the fourth consecutive game running but when the Netherlands are midway through a move like this, any individual urge is quashed for the good of the collective.

Louis van Gaal flips tactical plans to show he’s still capable of new tricks

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA - MATCH REPORT

17:22 , Kieran Jackson

By Richard Jolly at the Khalifa International Stadium

The American dream is over but Louis van Gaal can still imagine glory. The Netherlands manager may have been in a minority of one when arguing his team could win the World Cup 2022 but his side marched into the quarter-finals with their best performance of tournament so far. There was vindication in victory for Van Gaal as the Oranje prospered courtesy of his blueprint.

The 71-year-olds has been criticised for abandoning the Dutch tradition of wingers, but his wing-backs proved potent. The second goal was created by Denzel Dumfries for Daley Blind, the third a role reversal.

Dumfries delivered the star turn, with two assists, a goal and a goal-line clearance. Only Johan Cruyff and Rob Rensenbrink had been directly involved in three goals in a World Cup game for the Dutch side before so Dumfries finds himself in elite company.

The other scorers were two survivors of the squad Van Gaal took to the semi-finals in 2014 and then to Manchester United, in Memphis Depay and Blind. Yet while his old boys helped, it was a triumph for the oldest manager in Qatar, a Van Gaal masterclass.

Netherlands’ first-half double seemed to stem from his tactics board, each coming from a low cutback from Dumfries towards the penalty spot. Both were the result of his positioning, with Van Gaal using the wing-back’s pace to get into space behind Antonee Robinson.

Van Gaal masterclass sees Netherlands beat USA to cruise into quarter-finals

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

17:15 , Kieran Jackson

How Netherlands scored the best team goal of the World Cup so far

By Jamie Braidwood

Sometimes in football, a goal is scored that is so perfect in its design and so majestic in its execution that it appears to have descended from the heavens themselves. Within those halls of greatness, the ‘team goal’ sits above the rest. It is the illustration of cohesion of movement and understanding of space, particularly when it involves 20 passes, all 11 players, moving the ball from one end of the pitch to the other, and is scored in a knockout match at the World Cup.

Particularly, too, when it is scored by the Netherlands, and when it is conveying the ethos of ‘total football’ the country helped to create.

The opening goal scored by Louis van Gaal’s side in their 3-1 win over the USA will by remembered as the finest team goal scored at this or any World Cup. That it came in response to a tactic that looked set to define this last-16 encounter heightens its brilliance too.

Before kick-off, the battle between the Netherlands and the USA was set to be as much of a contest between possession-based passing and high-energy pressing. After all, the USA had successfully disrupted England in their 0-0 draw in Group B, with the midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah earning rave reviews for their performances in Qatar.

The Netherlands, by contrast, had done just about the minimum required in Group A. Their passing had rarely looked sharp and the 3-4-1-2 system that Van Gaal has stuck by at the World Cup was struggling to provide the Dutch with any advantages against weaker opposition. Had it not been for the efficiency of Cody Gakpo, with three goals in three games from three shots on target, then the Netherlands might have found themselves in an uncomfortable situation.

How Netherlands scored the best team goal of the World Cup so far

Netherlands 3-1 USA player ratings: Denzel Dumfries reprises Euro 2020 impact in World Cup round of 16

17:06 , Kieran Jackson

Netherlands became the first team to book their spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-finals as they beat USA 3-1.

Christian Pulisic had a brilliant opening inside the first minutes of the match to put USA ahead, but it was instead Memphis Depay who finished a scintillating team move inside ten minutes for the opener at the other end.

A slow-paced first half played into the Dutch side’s hands and they doubled their lead right before the break - Daley Blind finishing the second goal after a neat move down the right.

USA needed a response after the restart and Tim Ream almost pulled one back only to miss his connection from close range. Haji Wright somehow scooped one in 15 minutes from time to set up a big finale, but Denzel Dumfries then was left unmarked to immediately restore the two-goal lead and send the Dutch through.

Here are the player ratings from the Khalifa International Stadium.

Netherlands vs USA player ratings: Dumfries reprises Euro 2020 impact in World Cup

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

16:55 , Kieran Jackson

FULL-TIME: The Dutch have done it - they are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, coming out on top in a thrilling encounter here!

2-0 up at half-time through Depay and Blind, the US did mount a fightback with Wright’s goal but Dumfries’ volley put them clear again!

They will play Argentina or Australia on Friday in the last eight!

The US head home - but with their heads held high!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

16:51 , Kieran Jackson

90+3 mins: Ake and Gakpo OFF; De Ligt and Weghorst ON.

The US have run out of gas here.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

16:50 , Kieran Jackson

90 mins: SIx minutes of added time.

US make their final change: Robinson comes off for Morris.

The Dutch about to make a late double change too...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

16:48 , Kieran Jackson

89 mins: Robinson does well this time to block Bergwijn’s shot as he turns in the box...

The Dutch are almost there.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

16:45 , Kieran Jackson

87 mins: Frenkie de Jong booked for a cynical trip on Pulisic!

Stonewall yellow.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

16:44 , Kieran Jackson

86 mins: Good effort from Zimmerman!

Ream wins the knockdown from the corner and the US defender tries an overhead kick - just wide!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA

16:43 , Kieran Jackson

85 mins: Depay has come off for a Dutch debut for 19-year-old Xavi Simons.

That goal has - understandably - taken the sting out of this American team. They do have a corner though...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 3-1 USA (Dumfries, 81)

16:40 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! That should do it for the Dutch!

Denzel Dumfries - who has been the best player on the pitch - with a terrific finish! Daley Blind finds the right back with a cross to the far post and Dumfries finishes into the bottom-corner with his left-foot on the volley!

US left back Antonee Robinson simply didn’t know he was there! The Netherlands have breathing space again!

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(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-1 USA

16:37 , Kieran Jackson

79 mins: Pulisic has another speculative shot from range but Noppert gets everything behind it to catch comfortably!

The USA pushing intensely though now!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-1 USA (Wright 76)

16:35 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! The US finally have their goal - and they’re back in it!

Yedlin finds Pulisic on the right and his cross finds Haji Wright, with the ball flicking off his foot and looping into the far corner!

Huge slick of luck for the United States with that finish - Wright certainly didn’t mean that!

GAME ON!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:33 , Kieran Jackson

75 mins: What a chance spurned by Wright!

Depay’s backpass is picked up by the US sub but his touch around Noppert is heavy - and Dumfries clears off the line from a tight angle!

It’s just not going in for the United States! They make another change: Dest OFF, Yedlin ON.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:32 , Kieran Jackson

74 mins: Reyna did well to out-pace Van Dijk from right to left but his shot is wayward!

The US looking slightly out of ideas - and a little bit out on their feet some of them. It’s been a physical game!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:30 , Kieran Jackson

72 mins: Goalkeeper Matt Turner keeps the US in the game with a tremendous double-save!

He gets down well to kepe out Koopmeiners’ low shot and then shows tremendous reactions to keep out Depay’s follow-up header!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:29 , Kieran Jackson

70 mins: Been quite the battle between Dumfries and Robinson on the wing - both have so much pace but it’s been a terrific match-up!

Robinson’s slide tackle means a corner for the Dutch, with the ball in headed over by Van Dijk.

20 to go. Time running out for the United States...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:24 , Kieran Jackson

67 mins: USA left back Antonee Robinson is down here - looks like he’s hurt his hip in the challenge with Dumfires. Looks ok to continue though...

US changes incoming. Aaronsen and Wright ON; Weah and McKennie OFF.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:22 , Kieran Jackson

64 mins: Game is very open now!

Dumfries powers forward and goes down in the penalty area, but Robinson got the ball!

Up the other end, Weah is wasteful as he shoots from outside the box with attacking options around him!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:19 , Kieran Jackson

62 mins: Good tip over from US keeper Turner, with Depay striking first-time with a whipped shot from the edge of the box!

Entertaining game now!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:18 , Kieran Jackson

61 mins: First booking of the game goes to Teun Koopmeiners for a late clip on Pulisic.

Free-kick now out-wide - can the US make it count?!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:17 , Kieran Jackson

60 mins: Pulisic crosses in but it’s comfortably cleared by Van Dijk, who then heads away again from the follow-up cross.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:17 , Kieran Jackson

58 mins: Pulisic draws a foul from Van Dijk and the US have a free-kick centre of the pitch, 30 yards out.

Cross or shot?

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:12 , Kieran Jackson

54 mins: Reyna cuts inside from the left and finds McKennie on the edge of the box. The midfielder gets the ball out of his feet though but can only shoot over with his left-foot!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:11 , Kieran Jackson

53 mins: Pulisic has a specualtive shot from long-range but it rolls comfortably into Noppert’s arms.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:08 , Kieran Jackson

51 mins: What a threat Dumfires has been down the right!

Once again his cross into the box is dangerous, deflecting off Zimmerman and forcing Turner to make a quick-reaction save, before Dest clears.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:07 , Kieran Jackson

50 mins: Oh so close for the USA!

Tim Ream looks to bundle the ball home from close range after a knockdown from the corner... but it’s cleared off the line by the Dutch!

It remains 2-0...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:07 , Kieran Jackson

49 mins: Quick start to the half!

At one end, Depay’s square ball to Bergwijn is overhit when a shot at goal was possible and at the other end, Weah’s surge down the right brings about a US corner...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:04 , Kieran Jackson

SECOND-HALF: We’re back underway. Can the US find a route back into this clash?

Pulisic looking as though he’s playing in a more central false nine role early on...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

16:03 , Kieran Jackson

The players are back out for the second-half at the Khalifa International Stadium!

The Netherlands have made a double change at half-time: Klaassen and De Roon OFF, Koopmeiners and Bergwijn ON.

The US have also made a switch: Ferreira OFF, Reyna ON.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

15:57 , Kieran Jackson

Sloppy from the US defensively for the second goal - but it’s clincal from Daley Blind!

A lot of work to do for the United States in the second-half.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA

15:49 , Kieran Jackson

HALF-TIME: The Netherlands two goals up in this last-16 tie!

Memphis Depay and Daley Blind the goalscorers with two brilliant goals, but the United States have had their openings too!

It’s far from done yet... but the Dutch in control.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 2-0 USA (Blind 45+1)

15:47 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! The Netherlands double their lead - and it’s Daley Blind!

It’s all too easy - almost a carbon copy of the first goal! Dumfries’ cross from the right is met by the right foot of Blind, who strikes into the corner beyond Turner!

The Dutch in charge - very much against the run of play!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:46 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Dest just couldn’t finish right at the end!

It’s a brilliant run by the USA right back - he surges into the box but he just can’t get clean contact on his finish!

The Dutch need half-time now! One minute of added-time at the end of the first-half...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:44 , Kieran Jackson

43 mins: Great strike from Timothy Weah!

Noppert saves well from the US striker’s powerful long-range strike - terrific hit!

USA probing here....

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:43 , Kieran Jackson

42 mins: It’s a poor layoff from Pulisic at the end there!

Weah surges down the right and with his back to goal, Pulisic looks to lay-off Robinson but it skids wide - with the left back unable to fashion anything with the cross.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:40 , Kieran Jackson

39 mins: Pulisic is too slow at getting a cross in there - Dumfries clears comfortably.

Why have the US slowed the pace of the game so much?!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:36 , Kieran Jackson

34 mins: Not too sure why, but the United States have really slowed down the tempo of this match, and are struggling to fashion any chances now against this very low and narrow Dutch block.

Works for the Netherlands, given the pace of Depay and Gakpo on the counter. Just over 10 to go...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:30 , Kieran Jackson

29 mins: Gakpo’s first corner is headed over by Van Dijk via a deflection, and his second corner is headed clear by the United States.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:29 , Kieran Jackson

28 mins: De Jong finds Depay down the left and up against Zimmerman, the US defender does well to hold hid ground and get a foot in!

Netherlands do have a corner though...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:27 , Kieran Jackson

26 mins: Game has hit its first lull here, with the Dutch a little more compact when the United States have the ball now.

Meanwhile, here’s Depay’s goal!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:23 , Kieran Jackson

21 mins: Depay is found down the right-hand side and takes a snapshot - but it skews harmlessly wide of Turner’s goal.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:19 , Kieran Jackson

18 mins: Oh why didn’t Gakpo shoot?!

The Dutch star sprints towards the penalty area but instead of shooting, he sets up Blind coming up on the left-hand side but it’s a bad ball and the ex-Man United star’s shot is high and wide!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:18 , Kieran Jackson

17 mins: Robinson is this time the player with room in the left but as he coasts into the box, he runs out of legs and is tackled.

See the United States do look good going forward... but are leaving themselves short consequently at the back!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA

15:16 , Kieran Jackson

14 mins: Pulisic finds some room once more down the left but - unlike Dumfires moments earlier - he can’t pick out one of his attacking options in the box!

Straight down the other end, a better touch from Cody Gakpo would have seen him soar past Tim Ream - yet he gets the ball stuck under his feet and the US regroup.

Terrific start to this match!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 USA (Depay, 10)

15:11 , Kieran Jackson

GOAL! With their first attack of the game, the Netherlands have taken the lead!

It’s Memphis Depay with the goal - such a cool finish! Lovely move from the Dutch: Gakpo plays in Dumfries down the right and his cross into the box is perfect for Depay to finish first-time into the corner!

No chance for Matt Turner! Louis van Gaal’s side in front against the run of play!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 0-0 USA

15:09 , Kieran Jackson

8 mins: Pulisic is in - again! - down the left-hand side and his dangerous cross is headed clear by Nathan Ake.

Injury? What injury?!

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