Efficiency was the name of the game as Netherlands defeated the United States in Doha to commence the knockout round. Goals from Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Denzel Dumphries did the damage as the Dutch progress at the expense of their CONCACAF opponents.

It was the Americans who had the first huge chance just three minutes in. Christian Pulisic was played in but was denied by Andries Noppert.

Seven minutes later, the US was made to pay for not putting away the opportunity. Dumfries played the ball in to Memphis, who was just inside the box. The Barcelona man best Matt Turner with a precise shot into the bottom corner.

Despite the US dominating the ball in the first half, they failed to create many clear-cut chances. Going into the game, they had scored just twice in the tournament.

In first half stoppage time the Dutch made it two. A mirror image of the first, Dumfries once again player provider for Blind who also made no mistake with another accomplished finish.

More opportunities were created by the Americans in the second half, and in the end they managed to get one back. A careless giveaway from Memphis resulted in a corner. In the second phase of play, Pulisic crossed the ball in to Haji Wright, whose slight touch on the ball was enough to direct the ball in the net.

Five minutes later, rhe Dutch managed to ice off the game. Once again it was Blind and Dumfries that combined. This time, it was the former who provided the assist, picking out the Inter wing back with a perfect cross. A solid first-time finish from Dumfries capped the scoring.

Netherlands will go on to meet the winner of the other match on Saturday between Argentina and Australia. That tie kicks off at 20:00 CET.