World Cup 2022, Day 14: Round of 16 kicks off

The Netherlands will conflict with USA and Australia will tackle Argentina on Day 14 of the World Cup in Qatar.

We’re lastly right here — the Spherical of 16 on the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Two knockout matches are scheduled for Saturday – December 3, 2022 – the 14th day of the match.

• Netherlands vs USA (Khalifa Worldwide Stadium, 6pm/15:00 GMT)
• Argentina vs Australia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, 10pm/19:00 GMT)

Netherlands vs USA

All eyes are on injured USA attacker Christian Pulisic –  the costliest participant in North American historical past – and whether or not he’ll stage a knockout-round comeback on Saturday following a tumble on the internet in his daring, game-winning, purpose towards Iran that secured his staff’s place within the final 16.

It’s unclear if Pulisic, who sustained a pelvic contusion, will begin towards the Dutch, who edged Senegal to clinch Group A. The Chelsea winger’s absence could be a vital setback to the US lineup, the youngest staff on common in Qatar, who haven’t superior past the quarter-finals in 90 years.

“I’m taking it day-by-day for now and I’ll do every thing in my energy to work with this medical staff and ensure I can play,” Pulisic, 24, stated at coaching camp with the US squad on Thursday.

The Netherlands will look to celebrity Cody Gakpo, who has scored 3 times in Qatar, in addition to striker Memphis Depay to repel a younger and artful US squad.

Argentina vs Australia

Argentina, rebounding from a gap defeat towards Saudi Arabia and having jetted previous Mexico and Poland to prime Group C, are closely favoured towards Australia. The Argentinians are ranked 35 factors forward of the Socceroos.

Notably, captain Lionel Messi’s profession hangs within the steadiness on Saturday. For Messi, who has netted two targets in Qatar however has but to win a World Cup, Saturday’s match could possibly be his final World Cup sport if Argentina tanks, spelling the tip of an illustrious profession.

Argentina winger Angel Di Maria, who was taken off the sphere throughout Argentina’s win over Poland, will possible begin however it isn’t but confirmed.

“We are going to break our backs on this pitch to compete, we all know how troublesome this World Cup is, that is soccer,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stated on Friday.

Australia, Group D runners-up, enjoying of their first knockout spherical, cruised into the final 16 with 1-0 wins over Denmark and Tunisia, regardless of a crushing 4-1 loss to France.