Netherlands players celebrate as they ease past the United States 3-1 in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar

Netherlands players celebrate as they ease past the United States 3-1 in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar,

🏆⚽🇳🇱 Netherlands players celebrate as they ease past the United States 3-1 in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, Dec. 3, 2022. The Netherlands will now face the winner between Argentina and Australia.

The Netherlands became the first country to make it into the World Cup quarterfinals as they defeated the United States 3-1 Saturday at the Khalifa International Stadium.

A 10th-minute effort by Memphis Depay and another from Daley Blind with the last kick of the first half paved the way for the Dutch to set up a last eight clash with either Argentina or Australia, who were playing later.

Substitute Haji Wright scrambled in a reply for the United States in the 76th minute to give the Americans hope, but Denzel Dumfries's volley sealed a seventh quarter-final appearance for the Dutch.

Louis van Gaal's Dutch side grabbed the lead with their first attack when a slick move ended with Dumfries cutting a perfect pass back for Barcelona forward Depay to stroke home.

Dumfries then played a carbon copy ball for Blind to make it 2-0 and put his side in cruise control. (Reuters)