Australia will take on Lionel Messi’s Argentina in a David versus Goliath World Cup match, while the United States will look to ambush the Netherlands as the World Cup knockout rounds begin on Saturday.
After a group stage full of twists and turns, the business end of the tournament begins with 16 teams dreaming of paving their way to the finals in Doha on 18th December.
The United States and the Netherlands begin the second round at Khalifa Stadium on Saturday, with the Americans aiming to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
Coach Greg Berhalter’s USA team booked their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Iran to finish second in Group B behind England.
While the Dutch have the more historical pedigree, having reached three previous World Cup finals, the United States head into the knockout rounds brimming with confidence.
“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s not something that we’re going into as an honor,” Berhalter said.
“We deserve the situation we’re in.”
The US will face a Dutch team that finished first in Group A ahead of Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar without really performing at their best.