The Netherlands and United States are the first two teams to step forward in the highly-anticipated knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Saturday’s showdown at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan looks set to be a cagey contest between two sides desperate to be the first quarter-finalists at this year’s tournament.
Netherlands vs United States Betting Tips
- Half-Time/Full-Time – Draw/Netherlands @ 18/5
- #PickYourPunt – Cody Gakpo anytime goalscorer and Tyler Adams carded @ 9/1
Team news
Having come through a scare regarding Jeremie Frimpong’s ankle injury, Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s knockout game.
Two Dutch defenders will have to try and play it on the safe side, with Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake both just one booking away from missing a potential quarter-final should the Dutch progress.
As for the US, Christian Pulisic suffered a nasty pelvic injury scoring the winner against Iran last time out and is a doubt for the weekend.
The US camp says the Chelsea forward is being monitored day-by-day, but Saturday’s last-16 encounter in Al Rayyan could come too soon for the former Borussia Dortmund star.
Norwich City’s Josh Sargent won’t feature this weekend after suffering an ankle injury, while there are doubts regarding Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, who is nursing a quad issue.
Half-Time/Full-Time – Draw/Netherlands @ 18/5
Much like the US were able to do against England in Group B, the Stars and Stripes will look to keep it tight and frustrate the Dutch at Khalifa International Stadium.
Gregg Berhalter’s side were able to grind out a goalless draw against the Three Lions and are likely to adopt a similar game plan against Van Gaal’s men.
However, the Netherlands’ quality in the second half should start to make an impact and the 18/5 for a draw at the break and a Dutch win in the 90 minutes could be the way to go in this one.
#PickYourPunt – Cody Gakpo anytime goalscorer and Tyler Adams carded @ 9/1
Looking at the option with #PickYourPunt and a 9/1 combination really stands out for this first knockout game of the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo has scored in all of his first three games at the tournament, with the PSV Eindhoven forward looking like a serious contender for the Golden Boot.
It would be no surprise to see Gakpo add to his goal tally for the competition against the US, as his value continues to rise ahead of a potential move away from PSV in January.
Meanwhile, US skipper Tyler Adams has been enjoying a fine first World Cup so far and was key in helping the Stars and Stripes qualify for the last-16.
The Leeds United midfielder is not one to shirk a tackle and has already picked up three yellows and one red card for the Whites in the Premier League this season.
Gakpo to score at any time and Adams to find himself in the referee’s book is certainly worth considering at the price of 9/1.
*All prices correct at the time of writing.
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