USA vs. Netherlands World Cup live updates: Americans take gut-punch right before halftime
The U.S. men’s national team, which included only one player who had any World Cup experience coming into this tournament, faces the Netherlands on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. While many fans considered getting to the Round of 16 a success, the players don’t feel the same. They are ready to stay, saying the job isn’t done yet.
The USMNT — led by Christian Pulisic, who will return from injury — looks to advance to just its second quarterfinal appearance in 20 years and third overall. But Oranje stands in the way. Netherlands’ breakout star Cody Gakpo, 23, has found the back of the net in every game thus far.
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clamoring for Gio Reyna to get more playing time, and U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter brought on the 20-year-old to start the second half with his team trailing 2-0 against the Netherlands.
Reyna replaced Jesús Ferreira while the Dutch made two subs at the half with Teun Koopmeiners coming on for Davy Klaassen and Steven Bergwijn for Marten de Roon.
Gio Reyna?) if there’s any hope of turning things around in the second half. Pulisic said Thursday. “A couple years ago there were times maybe I felt I needed to do more. But with these guys, I don’t feel that way at all, to be honest. I know they have my back.”
Christian Pulisic starts for the USMNT. Jesús Ferreira will see his first minutes of the tournament, while Josh Sargent is unavailable with an ankle injury. The USMNT will dress 25 players against the Dutch. digs into what the U.S. must do to advance to its second quarter final appearance in 20 years.
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USA TODAY Network reporters think will come out champions (disclaimer: picks were made before the tournament started):
USWNT wins more with USMNT’s Round of 16 appearance
The USMNT is guaranteed at least $13 million in prize money from this World Cup, a figure that could rise to $17 million if they beat the Netherlands in Saturday’s round of 16 game. Thanks to the historic collective bargaining agreement reached in May between U.S. Soccer and its national teams, half that prize money will go to the U.S. women.
That’s more than what the women’s team earned in their last two championship runs…combined.