In the second game of the World Cup, a crucial game in Group A between United States and Netherlands in which both teams had to win to get a boost in confidence and to hopefully advance into the Knockout Stage. Another important aspect is seeing Louis Basham's Netherlands squad televised for the first-time ever.
United States
0 - 1 Netherlands
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Bob Schepers (24)
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Adam Maher
U.S.A XI: Brad Guzan, Timothy Chandler, Omar Gonzalez, John Brooks, George Smith, Alejandro Bedoya, Matt Brown, Michael Bradley (c), Brek Shea, Emerson Hyndman, Aron Johannsson
Netherlands XI: Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat, John Heitinga, Giliano Wijnaldum, Daley Blind, Jordy Clasie, Adam Maher, Bob Schepers, Memphis Depay, Robin van Persie (c)
Netherlands faced an experienced United States today at Central Volgograd, Volgograd and after a very exciting attacking game, Netherlands came out with a victory. Netherlands would want to continue this form, this style of play in future group against Russia and Uzbekistan. On the other hand, United States would much rather let this defeat go as soon as possible if they want any chance in getting to the knockout stages.
4' - Michael Bradley moved the ball out left for Brek Shea, the ball was curved in to the far post however Giliano Wijnaldum heads the ball clear. Alejandro Bedoya hits the ball on the volley!! Tim Krul saved and deflected the ball clear.
11' - Matt Brown played a great ball to Brek Shea. Brek Shea is free of any defenders and hits it with his left. Tim Krul got across to tip it wide but Brek Shea is going for a follow up. Brek Shea looked odds-on to score! A wasted opportunity for U.S.A.
24' - Matt Brown is clattered by Memphis Depay. Memphis Depay plays the ball forward to Adam Maher. Adam Maher whips it into the six-yard-box. Bob Schepers beats Omar Gonzalez in the air, head meeting the ball. GOAAALL! BOB SCHEPERS SCORED FOR HOLLAND!
73' - Timothy Chandler passed down the line for Emerson Hyndman. Emerson Hyndman moved the ball first time to his left for Alejandro Bedoya. Alejandro Bedoya passes it left to Aron Johannsson, beautiful ball. Aron Johannsson hit a speculative effort and it grazes the bar.
90' - Emerson Hyndman delivered the ball in from wide, slightly going over the line unfortunately. Goal kick to Holland. Full time here at Central Volgograd with Brek Shea probably feeling he could have contributed a bit more.
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Although Netherlands played fantastically, they did suffer in some areas defensively. Leaving for players like Timothy Chandler and Matt Brown to break down the defence with a single pass having Tim Krul to deal with the danger himself. This should be fixed before they face the more lethal teams like Germany or Argentina. U.S.A had 14 shots, meanwhile Netherlands had 10 shots.
Possession is key in the great game of football. It has spawned tactical systems like the Tiki-Taka for Barcelona. If you have possession of the ball, the opponent cannot score. Possession didn't play a big part in this game however, the stats read - Netherlands 60% and United States is a low 40%.
Finally, passing is also key in football. This game was quite even on passing with both teams being technically gifted, this lead to more attacking prospects especially from the United States. The statistics for this bout was Netherlands had a solid 83% and the United States had a 77% which is only a 5% difference.