World Cup Round of 16
The knockout rounds are about to begin, and the brutal one-game-to-death system makes the game full of variables. Regardless of the strength of the team, as long as the team's tiny flaws are discovered by the opponents, they may pack up their bags and go home in advance at any time. So, what are the hidden concerns of each team in the knockout rounds?
This article contains: Netherlands vs. USA, Argentina vs. Australia, France vs. Poland, England vs. Senegal (click on the hyperlinks to go directly to the team's page)
Group stage performance: 2-0 win over Senegal, 1-1 and Ecuador, 2-0 win over Cada.
The Netherlands easily advanced to the knockout rounds as the top of the group. However, the Orange Shirts didn't have a perfect performance in the group stage, with the biggest problem being the second round match against Ecuador and Bureau.
An intuitive reading of the match might suggest that Ecuador managed to force a draw with the Netherlands, but this was not the case. After Gakpo's powerful shot from the edge of the box in the opening half of the match, the Netherlands only had one more shot on goal in the whole match. The xG score between the two teams was 0.11-1.56 in favor of Ecuador, so perhaps it would be more accurate to use the subject-object relationship of the Netherlands forcing a draw with Ecuador.
So what went wrong in that game? Ecuador changed their formation specifically for this game, and held all the Dutch midfielders in check, causing the Dutch offense to be very stagnant.
Top 16 for the Netherlands
Opponents, the United States in Group B can show not bad game control (partly because the opponents of Iran, Wales are based on defensive counter-attack, England style of play also tends to be conservative), as long as the midfield tactical setup can work, the Netherlands ability to advance will be seriously affected.
In addition to the offensive push, Holland has a more serious problem: where is their source of offensive firepower other than Gakpo?
Gakpo was the first to open the scoring for the Netherlands in all three of the group stage matches.
Against Senegal in the first match, it was Gakpo's pinpoint breakthrough (and of course, not to be overlooked, De Jong's pinpoint assist) that led to Klaasen's extra goal in injury time.
Against Ecuador in the second game, the Netherlands might have lost if not for Gakpo's solo show out of nothing.
In the third game against Kada, even without Gakpo, the high chances of goals will open up on other players, but... against Kada!
Gakpo's great form is of course Holland's biggest weapon, and in case he is really watched over by the American backline, and the midfield propulsion is not at the very top of its game, it will lead to a sharp drop in Holland's attacking firepower.
Does Depay have what it takes to provide extra offensive firepower when he returns to the starting lineup after his injury, and does Dumfries have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with Robinson, who also likes to attack, and give a bigger contribution on the Dutch offensive end? Or will De Jong, Klaasen, and Bergwijn step up in time?
Dutch manager
van Gaal's last mile will require someone other than Gakpo to jump in and add firepower to the team's offensive end to make it happen.
Group stage performances: 1-1 and Wales, 0-0 and England, 1-0 win over Iran.
U.S. undefeated in three group stage matches, advances second in group
Elimination rounds. In three of those games, the offense had the advantage of being able to suppress the situation on its own.
In the first game against Wells, a strong 66.7% possession in the first half dominated play and created two BIG chances in the period, with xG leading significantly 0.82-0.11, and very much deserved to go into half time with a lead.
The second game against England, 50.6% possession in the second half, to be able to play with the world power England into a 50/50 wave of the game is not easy, and even let England in the 87th minute before the first shot on goal, England lost two points points without injustice.
U.S. has must-win game against Iran in Game 3 to advance
Pressure, 60.5% possession in the first half once again dominated play and left a commanding 9-0 in shots and 1.30-0.00 in xG to take a solid lead.
