The United States of America that has been hyping their national football team as “Dare to Shine” were defused in the first round of 16 matches of the Qatar world cup as The Orange Boys of Netherland yanked off the Yankees of America 3-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
The three goals conceded goals of America were from pediatric defensive blunders from a young team that played well upfront.
Ref Wilton Sampalo of Brazil born 28th December 1981 that handled two matches at the Group stages: the Group A match between Senegal and Netherlands won by the Dutch 2-0 and the Group C match between Poland and Saudi Arabia that the Polish team won 2-0 was ready for the match as he sized up the two teams ahead of the game.
Memphis Depay efforts paid off when he scored 10th minute from Denzel Dumfries connect; Denzel again supplied the assist when he found unmarked Daley Blind in the box who did not close his eyes as he slotted it into the Yankee’s net 45+1 minute.
The second half was hectic with America sending aerial bombardment into the Dutch defence area for Haji Wright who got it right at that time to score in the 76th from a Christian Pulisic assist. The goal raised high hopes of an American come back but again an unmarked Denzel Dumfries finished off the Americans with the 3rd goal in 81st minute. The coaches and Players of America put their hands on their heads as they knew there was no song of redemption now.
Netherlands fought for survival but for the defensive blunders as the team came up with 10 foul calls to USA 5; bagged the two yellow cards of the match and conceded 5 corner kicks to USA 4. USA had 8 shorts on target to the Dutch 6.
They knew the Dutch who had beaten them four times to their lone victory in previous meetings though friendly matches. Netherlands won 2-0 on 21st February 1998; won again 2-0 19th May 2002; and on 18th February 2004the Dutch won by a lone goal with a 2-1 win on 3rd March 2010 before Netherlands lost 3-4 on 5th June 2015.
By this victory, Netherlands coming to the party the 11th time becoming Silver Medalists thrice in 1974, 1978 and 1978; Bronze medalist 2014 and 4th place 1998 are on stand bye to meet winner of the Argentina versus Australia round of 16 match in the quarter finals.
On Sunday, Les Bleu of France will meet Robert Lewandoski’s Poland at 4pm and the battle of Lions; the Three Lions of England and Teranga Lions of Senegal at 8pm.
Eniola Olatunji reporting.
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