Now, Gregg Berhalter’s squad has a date with the Netherlands in the Round of 16. The Dutch finished first in Group A, defeating Qatar and Senegal while drawing with Ecuador.
If the United States defeat the Netherlands, then it is on to the quarterfinals, where the USA have not been to since 2002.
Here are the details on the USA’s potential quarterfinal opponent if they can get the win over the Netherlands.
MORE: Watch the USA vs. Netherlands and all World Cup games on fuboTV (U.S.-only free trial)
Who would USA face in the World Cup quarterfinals?
The winner of the USA vs. the Netherlands Round of 16 match advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face the victor of Argentina vs. Australia.
Argentina finished as the top team in Group C with six points. After a stunning upset at the hands of Saudi Arabia to open their group play, Lionel Messi and Co. responded with wins over Poland and Mexico.
Australia was a surprising second in Group D after finishing tied with France with six points. Australia defeated Tunisia and Denmark, while losing in their opener to defending champion France. Since the French had a better goal differential than Australia (+3 to -1), France earned the No. 1 spot.
When would the USA play in the quarterfinals?
Date: Friday, Dec. 9 Time: 10 a. m. ET
If the USA can pull off the upset over the Netherlands in the Round of 16, then they would have quite a bit of time before their quarterfinal match on Friday, Dec. 9.
The USA would have five days off between matches, giving Berhalter an extended period to prepare for either Argentina or Australia.
Previous World Cup quarterfinals appearances for USA
If the Americans advance to the quarterfinals, it will technically be only the third time the men’s national team has made it to that stage.
The USA previously appeared in the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002. After finishing second in their group, the United States defeated Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16 to punch their quarterfinal ticket. They would not advance further, as Germany beat the USA 1-0 in the quarterfinals.
At the inaugural World Cup in 1930, which featured just 13 teams, there were no quarterfinals as FIFA had the four group winners play in the semifinals. USA won Group D and lost to Argentina in the semis.
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