The group stage is over and it’s time for the main event when the knockout rounds of the 2022 FIFA World Cup begin. They don’t have time to get involved in the important games as they start with a bang as the United States take on the Netherlands in one of the most fascinating matches of the round, followed by Argentina taking on one of the surprise sides of the tournament in Australia .
For USA, Saturday’s game offers an opportunity to match their best performance in a modern-era Men’s World Cup. The quarter-finals in 2002 is their strongest since the very first World Cup in 1930, when they reached the semi-finals with two wins in the group stage. This is a Dutch side who haven’t really been challenged by their Group A rivals Ecuador, Senegal and hosts Qatar. The USA, meanwhile, were being pushed by one of the tournament favorites in England, against whom they held a 0-0 draw. In between, they drew 1-1 with Wales in their opening game and beat Iran 1-0 to secure progression.
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Saturday’s World Cup calendar
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Netherlands vs. United States, 10 p.m. ET
A duel to watch: Cody Gakpo vs. Sergino Dest/Antonee Robinson. Gakpo is the Netherlands’ top scorer and usually plays for them on the right in attack (either as a striker or as a winger, depending on how you define his position). But it could be tempting for the Netherlands to switch it up and deploy him on the left flank, where he plays for his club PSV Eindhoven, to take on defensive suspect Dest. However, the Dutch don’t create many chances but when they do it’s Gakpo who finishes them off. He has scored in every Netherlands game so far and it will be up to the American full-backs to ensure that doesn’t happen again
Featured Game | Netherlands vs United States
Most likely to score: Christian Pulisic. He met and sacrificed his body in the Iran trial. That goal was the difference and carried USA to the knockout rounds. If they want to continue that ride, it’s because Pulisic will be able to terrorize and create a Dutch defense for himself and others. This US side fired more shots than the Netherlands team in the group stage, so look for Pulisic to lead the show in attack.
Man of the Match vote: Matt Turner. It won’t take many saves, but he’ll have to come up with a big save or two if the US is going to pull this off. And he has that kind of game in him. Turner may not excel with his feet, but he excels at doing the most important thing goalies are paid to do: stopping shots. A great team would not depend on their goalkeeper. But this isn’t the best team, it’s a good one trying to pull and upset. That requires Turner to play an important role.
Game Prediction: An early goal from Pulisic sets the tone and a couple of late saves from Matt Turner slam the door for an historic upset for the USA men’s national team. You win 1-0.
Argentina vs Australia, 2pm ET
A matchup to watch: Nicolas Otamendi vs. Mathew Leckie. Otamendi is the veteran of this line of defense and sets the tone with his aggression and strength. Leckie, on the other hand, is the attacking figure that can give this team the edge, as we saw against Denmark. Otamendi needs to keep Leckie in front of him and aim to have support to take him out or the attacker will have everything he needs to upset the Australians.
Featured Game | Argentina vs Australia
Most likely to score: Lionel Messi. After saving his penalty against Poland he will be hungry to score here and he should be. Argentina are ten times better than Australia on paper, but the same was true against Saudi Arabia. Messi knows that any lead they get they have to build on it and not let anyone stay. Expect him to take some hits from deep if he does.
Voted Man of the Match: Enzo Fernandez. He’s been massive since game two and seems to be cementing his place in the middle. He can do a little bit of everything and has the quick decision-making instinct needed to change a game in attack. He will be great again.
Game Prediction: Similar to the game against Poland, Argentina dominates possession and chances as the goal line doesn’t reflect how one-sided it is. Argentina 2, Australia 0.