Team USA were knocked out of the World Cup after a Round of 16 defeat to The Netherlands at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday. After the disappointment of missing out on qualification to Russia 2018, the USA came to Qatar determined to go deep into the tournament.

Sound defensive performances in the group stage saw them become the only team not to concede in open play. Although they struggled to find the net going forward, the USA banked on being able to make the game difficult for the opposition. Frustrating England – who have never beaten the USA at the World Cup – to another draw is probably the highlight of their campaign.

The Netherlands started the game in a resolute mid-block, letting the USA have the prerogative in the opening minutes. A team with more firepower might have made them pay for it but the USA could not convert territory into fruitful shots. A spellbinding twenty-pass sequence from back to front by the Oranje saw Memphis Depay take the lead in the 10th minute. Even after the goal, team USA had substantial amount of possession and territory. The North American team rued the absence of a quality goal-scorer in the side. Daley Blind then put the Oranje 2-0 in first-half injury time.

The determined rest defence of the Dutch side meant that they also gave nothing away. Despite seeing his side parked inside their half for most of the first half, Andries Noppert had a comfortable time in goal. In the second half, as team USA attacked more, chances opened up for the Netherlands, although they could not finish effectively. A somewhat fortunate goal out of nothing by Haji Wright put the US briefly in the running for an unlikely comeback. Denzel Dumfries settled the issue just 5 minutes later by scoring the third Dutch goal of the day.

Team USA put in a strong performance throughout the World Cup and can go home proud that they put out a great showing and were simply beaten by a team better than them on the pitch.