Matchday 14 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a thrilling one, with every game hotly contested.
Match 49
Netherlands v USA
The Netherlands secured their place in the quarter-finals after defeating the USA 3-1 in Al-Rayyan.
Memphis Depay had given the Oranje a perfect start after 10 minutes and Daley Blind ensured they had breathing room with a second before half-time.
It was a clinical display from Louis van Gaal’s men, who opted to sit back and invite their opponents to have the majority of the possession.
Haji Wright’s fortunate first touch did offer them a way back into the match with 15 minutes remaining but the comeback was quickly derailed as Denzel Dumfries restored their two-goal advantage.
Match 50
Argentina v Australia
Argentina scraped through to the last eight after edging Australia 2-1 in Al-Rayyan.
The Socceroos produced a valiant effort against one of the tournament favourites but found themselves trailing at the break courtesy of danger man Lionel Messi.
Messi’s left-footed strike was the only clear-cut chance produced in the opening stanza, but a mistake from Mat Ryan in the second provided Argentina some breathing room.
Graham Arnold made a host of changes in response, and substitute Craig Goodwin soon halved the deficit after his volley deflected into the back of the net off Enzo Fernandez.
That seemed to spur one last hurrah from Asian nation, though fellow substitutes Ajdin Hrustic and Garang Kuol were unable to convert and send the match to extra-time.
