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Best is yet to come from USMNT, but exposed shortcomings must be resolved before 2026

DOHA - A fresh-faced United States squad arrived in Qatar with modest expectations and although they may leave with a sense of disappointment after another last-16 exit, their performances offered hope of a longer run when they co-host the 2026 tournament.

After an encouraging group campaign, a young team brimming with confidence entered the knockout phase believing they could deliver another plot twist in a tournament where underdogs have consistently punched above their weight.

The18's USA vs. Netherlands prediction

The United States navigated group play admirably, going unbeaten and only conceding once, to advance to the World Cup Round of 16 with the Netherlands awaiting at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. ET.

The USA vs. Netherlands odds clearly cast Gregg Berhalter's men as the underdogs. After 90 minutes, the Netherlands is 10/11 to win while the United States is at 10/3. The odds for requiring extra time are at 23/10. 

USA receives good news on the injury front with Pulisic and Sargent improving

The U.S. men's national team officially lists Christian Pulisic as day-to-day for Saturday's Round of 16 World Cup match against the Netherlands in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

But if the hero of Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Iran to advance out of Group B has his way, he'll play.

"(I'm) doing everything in my power to be able to be out there on the field on Saturday," Pulisic said at a news conference Thursday in Doha.

Australia explodes at 3 a.m. local time as Socceroos reach World Cup last 16

Heading into Wednesday's final matchday in World Cup Group D, Australia figured it'd probably only need a remarkable draw against Denmark, the world's 10th-ranked side, to advance to the round of 16 for only the second time in their history and first since 2006.

Kickoff was scheduled for 2 a.m. in Australia, and supporters took up their traditional post in Federation Square (downtown Melbourne) to watch as Australia went about its task admirably to keep things at 0-0 after 45 minutes.

Our boys are ready to run through a wall after hearing Charles Barkley's rallying cry

There's no stopping the United States now after a nerve-racking 1-0 win over Iran. With millions of their countryfolk rallying around the U.S. Soccer crest, Tyler Adams and company are ready to teach the purveyors of Total Football a harsh lesson in Berhalter Ball. 

Wounded hero Pulisic hurt his testicles, but he'll be ready for the Netherlands on Saturday

DOHA - Christian Pulisic was hailed by his teammates on Tuesday after his first-half strike sent the United States through to the World Cup knockout rounds, with the effort landing him in hospital with a pelvic contusion.

The Chelsea forward burst into the area and bundled the ball over the line in the 38th minute of Tuesday's Group B decider against Iran. But he could not even celebrate the goal as he had injured himself following a collision with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

USA player ratings vs. Iran: 3 guys who inspired, 2 who weren't at their best

The United States held on for dear life and beat Iran 1-0 Tuesday to advance to the World Cup round of 16 while eliminating Team Melli. It looked like it would be a comfortable evening after Christian Pulisic put the U.S. up 1-0 in the 38th minute and with the Americans winning every individual duel on the pitch, but Iran dominated the final 20 minutes searching for an all-important equalizer. 

Christian Pulisic sacrifices himself for the cause and gets his World Cup goal

Needing a win over Iran to advance to the World Cup round of 16, USMNT star Christian Pulisic got his first-ever goal on the world's biggest stage to put his nation up 1-0 in the 38th minute.

Weston McKennie got the move started with an excellent ball over the top to Sergiño Dest, and Dest played it across the face of goal to meet the advancing Pulisic.

Senegal advances, eliminates Ecuador and likely awaits England (maybe USA) in last-16

Questions surrounded Senegal heading into the World Cup after star attacker Sadio Mané was ruled out of the tournament, but the Lions of Teranga aren't the champions of Africa because of the efforts of one single individual. Senegal clinched the runner-up spot in Group A and eliminated Ecuador by defeating La Tri 2-1 at Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday.

A USA fan's perspective in Qatar: Taking in the atmosphere of USMNT vs. England

Since the draw for the 2022 World Cup occurred in April, the Black Friday USA matchup against England had been circled on the calendar for both sides. With so much history both off the field and on, we arrived at the next chapter thirsty for a fantastic show. 

The last time USA and England met in a World Cup, the match ended as a 1-1 draw in 2010 after Clint Dempsey fired home a shot that bounced off Robert Green's hands and rolled behind him into the net. 

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