Mmegi

Netherlands to come of age

(Reuters)

After much posturing, the Netherlands now need to deliver if they are to fulfil their own prophecy at the World Cup, starting with the opening clash of the knockout stage against the United States on Saturday. There has been much talk – all from the Dutch camp – of the team’s potential to go all the way in the tournament in Qatar, principally from veteran coach Louis van Gaal, who enjoys a little mental coaxing and sparring. But although they won their first-round group, there was little evidence to back up their self-confidence as they stuttered through against Senegal, Ecuador and the Qatari hosts. That will offer hope to the Americans, who will be underdogs for their last-16 clash but who have already offered up some proof of their potential in an unbeaten run in group B, with draws against England and Wales and a gritty win over Iran to ensure their progress. While the US sweat on the fitness of star player Christian Pulisic – he has a pelvic injury and is being assessed daily, said the US Soccer Federation – coach Gregg Berhalter said his team would have no inferiority complex at the Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday.

Inside Sport

en-bw

2022-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://enews.mmegi.bw/article/281852942592180

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