World Cup: With Team USA Out, Americans Again Free To Focus on Football

AL RAYYAN, Qatar — Memphis Depay and Daley Blind scored in the first half and Denzel Dumfries added a late goal as the Netherlands eliminated America from the World Cup with a 3-1 victory Saturday that advanced the Dutch to the quarterfinals.Second-half substitute Haji Wright cut the U.S. deficit to 2-1 in the 76th minute when Christian Pulisic’s cross hit his trailing foot and popped over goalkeeper Andries Noppert and into the net. Mr. Dumfries, who assisted on the first two goals, then scored on a volley in the 81st.Runners-up in 1974, 1978, and 2010, the Oranje extended their unbeaten streak to 19 games and face Argentina or Australia on Friday.It was a disappointing end for a rebuilt American team hoping to advance past the round of 16 for the first time since 2002. Using the second-youngest squad in the tournament, the Americans achieved the bare minimum to consider the World Cup a success, beating Iran in their group-stage finale to reach the knockout round.Just like in 2010 against Ghana and 2014 against Belgium, though, America was eliminated in the round of 16. The Americans are winless in 12 games against European opponents at the World Cup since 2002, losing six, and are 1-7 during the tournament’s knockout rounds.Mr. Pulisic, playing four days after getting hurt during his game-winning goal against Iran, had a chance to put America ahead in the third minute but Mr. Noppert, playing in only his fourth international match, blocked his point-blank shot. With the Americans seeking an equalizing goal, Mr. Noppert dived to stop Tim Weah’s 25-yard effort in the 42nd.The crowd of 44,846 was well back from the field at renovated Khalifa International Stadium, which has an athletics track and was more subdued than the raucous spectators for the match against Iran.While the United States had the better play at the start, the Dutch went ahead after breaking the American press. Mr. Dumfries one-timed a pass from the right flank as Mr. Depay streaked unmarked into the penalty area. His right-footed shot from 14 yards beat Matt Turner to the far post in the 10th minute for his 43rd international goal, moving him into sole possession of second place on the Dutch career scoring list behind Robin van Persie’s 50.The goal was the first allowed by the United States from the run of play in the tournament. In 37 World Cup matches, the Americans have never won a game in which they trailed.The Netherlands doubled the lead on virtually the final kick of the first half, in the first minute of stoppage time. After a quick series of exchanges following a throw-in, Mr. Dumfries got a cross around Tyler Adams and found Mr. Blind wide open at the penalty spot. Mr. Blind scored only his third international goal — his first in eight years. Gio Reyna fed an open Weston McKennie in the 54th, but he skied his shot over the crossbar.Mr. Wright entered in the 67th and scored his second international goal, sparking U.S. hopes. Mr. Dumfries was left unmarked by Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson, though, and used his left foot to volley Mr. Blind’s cross.Associated Press

World Cup: With Team USA Out, Americans Again Free To Focus on Football

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