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Match 49
Netherlands v USA
The Netherlands came through on top of their group but questions were asked in their clash with Ecuador - the Dutch often looked second-best in that match. Virgil van Djik leads the defence for Oranje and he will take some beating alongside Manchester City's Nathan Ake. They have plenty of attacking options with Cody Gakpo scoring in each fixture so far, but at times the attack has lacked a focal point or has broken down at the final ball. Barcelona's Memphis Depay will seek to announce himself and Denzel Dumfries could be a key man bombing forward, but the battle will likely be in midfield against an energetic USA side.
The USA have impressed with their energy and pressing but have only scored two goals - they will need to be more clinical in front of goal and all eyes will be on whether their star man in Christian Pulisic is fit. Their defence has been solid, with the only notable defence mistake coming in the from of a rash Walker Zimmerman challenge on Gareth Bale, which saw the Welsh equalise in a second half that had the US under a lot of pressure. Leeds midfielders Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson (if he comes on) will be in the engine room of midfield, while Weston McKennie will add quality to attack and attempt to link up with front man Timothy Weah. The USA should be in with a good chance, but this could be a step too far after they left it all on the pitch for three matches in a row.
Match 50
Argentina v Australia
After stumbling in their opening game, Argentina have looked untouchable against Mexico and Poland, scoring two goals in each and creating a lot of chances. Lionel Messi is of course the key man, and seems to be playing with creative freedom through dribbling runs, through balls, dangerous shots, and looping diagonals over the backline. Only a plucky Saudi Arabia team were able to keep him relatively quiet. Defensively, Argentina have looked shaky at times, with Cristian Romero particularly troubled against Saudi Arabia but they have often made up for this by winning the ball back frequently in the midfield. A rapid counterattack will likely be the only thing that may trouble La Albiceleste...
Australia defied expectations by achieving two wins in the group stage against Tunisia and highly-ranked Denmark, in what is the nation's best ever group stage performance. All three open-play goals for the Socceroos were scored via counterattacks, which may be a tactic Australia look to employ if Argentina play a high line or are isolated at the back. Harry Souttar has been key defensively and has shone against sides playing more direct, but was outdone by Les Bleus' skill and speed alongside the rest of the backline in Australia's opening defeat. Lessons will need to have be learned from the France encounter if the Socceroos hope to topple one of the tournament's favourites.
