The knockout stage of the World Cup starts today with the Orange Gang of the Netherlands confronting USA at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal has dismissed his team’s criticism of not being more attack oriented, and promised that his side will not be distracted.
They scored five goals in the group stages and conceded only once, when they drew 1-1 with Ecuador.
United States of America drew 1-1 with Wales, goalless with England and defeated Iran by a lone goal.
Both sides are meeting for the first time at the World Cup. In their five previous friendly matches, Netherlands have won four.
In the second round of 16 match for today, Argentina will take on Australia as Lionel Messi will be playing his 1,000th match.
At 35, there are speculations that this could be Messi’s last World Cup.
Australia have defeated Argentina once in 1988 and their coach, Graham Arnold played in that match. Will history be repeated today?
