The United States lost 3-1 to the Netherlands on Saturday, December 3, eliminating them from further competition in the FIFA World Cup.
As one of the youngest squads in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the United States came in knowing they had much to learn.
The United States escaped their group alongside England after a 1-0 win against Iran. They advanced to the Round of 16 against the Netherlands. The Netherlands advanced to the Round of 16 after winning a group that included Senegal, Ecuador, and World Cup hosts Qatar.
The United States came into the match having conceded just a single goal in their previous three games in the group stage. That number would triple by the final whistle in their 3-1 loss to the Netherlands.
Despite the lopsided final score, the United States had a golden opportunity in the third minute of the match. Midfielder Christian Pulisic had a shot at close range saved by Netherlands keeper Andries Noppert.
The Netherlands responded with a goal by Memphis Depay in the 10th minute on a pass from defender Denzel Dumfries.
They doubled their lead in a similar fashion at the end of the first half. Defender Daley Blind scored a one-time shot past US keeper Matt Turner to take a 2-0 halftime lead.
In the second half, the United States continued to look for opportunities to mount a comeback. US forward Haji Wright tipped the ball into the air and into the back corner of the net to put the United States back in the match.
The excitement was short-lived after a miscommunication on defense for the US left Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries open to score a goal off a cross from Daley Blind.
The Netherlands move on to the quarterfinals where they will face off against Argentina for a chance to advance to the semifinals.
The United States will travel home and look forward to their next opportunity to compete in the World Cup in 2026. The United States will be one of three countries to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup, including Mexico and Canada.
While some fans may see this loss as a failure, the USMNT will try to build off of this year as their young squad gains more experience in preparation for a World Cup at home in 2026.
