The United States managed to scrap and claw their way through Group B, and now find themselves in the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup, where they’ll face the No. 8 ranked team in the world, the Netherlands.
While the opponent is an established European power with proven World Cup pedigree, it’s still a soft draw considering they have avoided seeing the likes of Brazil, France, Argentina, Spain, or any other top tournament favorite.
The U.S. have only advanced past the Round of 16 once in World Cup history, with that win coming against CONCACAF rivals Mexico in 2002, meaning they have never beaten a non-North American team in the World Cup knockout stage.
If ever there was a chance to do so, now seems to be that time. The Netherlands were unbeaten through group stage play as well, but looked shaky at times, especially against Ecuador who pressed them into oblivion, as the Dutch were lucky to escape with a point. Still, Louis van Gaal’s side is on a spectacular 18-match unbeaten run, and the U.S. will need its best performance of the tournament to advance in historic fashion.
MORE: Follow all 2022 FIFA World Cup daily picks & predictions from The Sporting News here
USA vs. Netherlands odds
The United States are understandably in a hole going into this Round of 16 match, but will feel they have a chance given the way they performed against the No. 5 ranked team England, and the odds do slightly reflect that, as the Netherlands are minus-odds favorites, but not by…
