World Cup 2022: USA’s title dreams end in loss to Netherlands

The World Cup dreams for the United States Men’s National Team came to end Saturday in Qatar. 

After advancing to the knockout phase for the first time since 2014 with a 1-0 win over Iran, the USMNT will be heading home after a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands. 

The US team had an opportunity early on to take the lead, but Christian Pulisic failed to convert on a great chance in the 3rd minute. 

USA AND NETHERLANDS DO BATTLE IN THE ROUND OF 16 AS THEY LOOK TO CONTINUE THEIR WOLD CUP DREAMS

After mostly dominating possession in the first 10 minutes, the Netherlands took advantage of its first shot on net, taking a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute on a goal by Memphis Depay.

Tim Weah ripped a shot on goal in the 43rd minute, but Netherlands goalie Andries Noppert was able to knock it away. 

And then, the dagger. 

As the first half came to a close, the Netherlands put the game out of reach with a goal by Daley Blind as the US entered halftime down 2-0.

But the US team wasn’t going to go down without a fight, getting on the board in the 76th minute, cutting the lead in half on a goal by Haji Wright. 

But the USMNT was unable to keep the deficit to just one goal, quickly allowing a third goal to the Dutch squad in the 81st minute.

The Netherlands advance to the quarterfinals and will play the winner of the game between Argentina and Australia, which will be played at 2:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.