Argentina And The Netherlands In Sight As The World Cup Round Of 16 Begins

Australia will face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in David vs. Goliath Worlds Her Cup showdown, but the United States will be looking to ambush the Netherlands when Worlds’ Cup knockout her round begins on Saturday.

After a group stage full of twists and turns, the business ending of the tournament begins with 16 teams dreaming of finding their way to the final on December 18th in Doha.

The USA and the Netherlands will start the second round at Khalifa Stadium on Saturday, with the USA looking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Led by coach Greg Verhalter, USA secured his place in the last 16 with her 1-0 victory over Iran, securing his second place behind England in Group B.

While the Netherlands have historically had a big pedigree and have reached the last three World Cup finals, the USA are confident going into the knockout stage.

“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s not something that we’re going into it thinking it’s an honour,” Berhalter said.

“We deserve to be in the position we’re in.”

The US face a Dutch team who finished first in Group A ahead of Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar without really showing their best form.

The Netherlands’ veteran coach Louis van Gaal is wary of the threat posed by the energetic Americans, describing Berhalter’s team as one of the best in the tournament.

“They have an excellent team, I would say even one of the best teams,” said Van Gaal.

“It’ll be a tough match but it’s nothing we can’t overcome. We also have a good team.”

In Saturday’s other knockout game, South American giants Argentina face an Australia side who confounded all expectations by getting out of a Group D that included defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia.