This is what the Netherlands can expect from America

Run, fly, defend in a structured way and watch for quick counterattacks. That is what ‘we’ can expect from America. The Netherlands will compete with Greg Berhalter’s team for a ticket to the quarter-finals. The U.S. scored just twice and conceded just one goal in three group stage matches. Analysis of Orange’s next opponent in this World Cup.

At the end of March, the United States qualified for the World Championships for the eighth time. They finished third in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group, three points behind Mexico and Canada. Costa Rica – with 25 points from fourteen games – were below them on goal difference and had to qualify through the play-offs. That is, after a non-existent version, they come back on the highest stage.

Things are going well under Nationals coach Greg Berhalter. In sixty matches under his leadership, they lost only ten times (37x wins and 13x draws). As of race day, he has served as Team USA’s finalist for exactly four years and one day. In it he won two prizes, the CONCACAF Nations League (19/20) and the Gold Cup (20/21).

He started this World Cup with a 1-4-3-3 formation at the back. The 49-year-old former player of FC Zwolle, Sparta and SC Cambuur, among others, takes on an attacking and more dynamic element, but scoring goals is still not easy. In the group stage, the Americans found the net ‘only’ twice. In the first group stage game against Wales, a goal was enough for a point, while against Iran it secured three points and a ticket to the round of 16. This century, only five other nations have managed to reach the next round with two goals.

This team’s success is mainly behind (and physically/conditionedly). It goes well with the national coach, who played at center back. Compared to previous participations, they have kept the gates much better and they have conceded significantly fewer counter-hits and shots (on target). Against Gareth Bale’s foot was the only goal scored from the penalty spot. That shot was the Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner Very powerful, but he kept two clean sheets in two other games. In front of him is a 35-year-old veteran Tim Ream From Fulham FC, the undisputed leader at the back, establishing and defending the formation.

Former Ajax players are in the back ranks Sergino Test And the Fulham player Anthony Robinson, which is now on the radar internationally. The full-backs are both attack-minded and high on the list of opportunities they provide their teammates. Leeds United’s defensive midfielder, who is also the team’s captain, is key to keeping the rest of the defense intact. Tyler Adams The cement between the stones with the Americans is very important in the defensive area. On almost all ‘body’ lists, the American ranks high in this competition.

Compared to his peers, the 23-year-old controller has the highest number of interceptions ever used. Ten pieces, nine of which are wins. Robinson (3/3), Ream, Brendan Aaronson and Shaq Moore (all 2/2) had the highest percentage of successful tackles, although they tackled very little. And there was no teammate who came up in such large numbers to get possession of the ball. Again, the left-back is close with an underwhelming grip. Also, no player in the US has played as many duels as the captain (30). He won nineteen of them. Only midfielder Kellyn Acosta, who played just 43 minutes, has a higher percentage (wins in four of five matches).

From ‘cement between bricks’ to ‘connector’. Yunus MusaHe turned 20 last Tuesday. Valencia CF’s box-to-box midfielder ensures that Berhalder’s attackers are positioned. He is never bored anywhere. Not directly as a announcer or creator, but mainly as a master. Compared to his teammates, he is more skilled, has more passes, and is also more forward in the attacking three. Alone Weston McKenney (45) and Christian Pulisic (47) Frequent passes into the opponent’s penalty area.

Now that the name has been dropped, you can’t ignore Team USA’s playmaker. He joins Pulisic (Chelsea), McKenney (Juventus), Turner (Arsenal), Giovani Reina (Borussia Dortmund) and Test (AC Milan) at the absolute top. The majority play in Europe’s top competitions, but not at top clubs. Offensively, the Americans depend heavily on their star player. The 24-year-old winger is at the top of all attacking statistics, although he sometimes has to share that position with a teammate (for goals, assists and goals).

The U.S. shot just seven times (28 attempts) in three games. Pulisic accounted for two of them (6 attempts). If he is not an end station himself, the playmaker is at risk. With five chances created (one assist), Pulisic tops that list. Alone Timothy Weah, the son of Liberian football legend George comes close (4). Also, no one gave as many crosses (23) as he did. The absolute star of this team, involved in two goals (1 goal, 1 assist) this World Cup.

The US national coach has a fast, agile and ultra-fit team at his disposal. He likes to create danger with his team by looking for depth with quick runs behind the defence. Weah’s disallowed goal is a good example of this. As a right winger, OSC Lille’s attacker runs diagonally behind the Iranians’ back line. With a brilliant footwork he scored a goal but unfortunately for him his knee was just behind the last man and the linesman perfectly stopped his second goal of this World Cup.

America is a bit inexperienced. They have the second-youngest selection (25.2 years, behind only Ghana at 24.8) at this World Championship. The Netherlands, with their style of play, will benefit greatly from playing against high-quality opposition, but should not destroy the USA. The Orange are a serious opposing team to be very wary of. Defensively, Berhalter’s team is strong. Offensively, the Achilles’ heel is currently the players who only need some opportunities to attack. They will wait for a slowdown in construction, in which the Netherlands has yet to prove reliable.