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The USA are sweating on the fitness of star forward Christian Pulisic ahead of their crunch last-16 clash with the Netherlands at the World Cup.
Pulisic scored the winning goal of the USA’s crucial victory over Iran to secure second place in Group B and qualification for the knockout stages.
But it came at a cost, with the Chelsea forward suffering a pelvic injury while colliding with the Iran goalkeeper.
Pulisic is confident he will be fit enough to face the Netherlands, however, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line in Qatar.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Netherlands vs USA?
The match will kick off at 3pm GMT (10am ET) on Saturday 3 December. It will be played at the Khalifa International Stadium.
What TV channel is it on and how can I watch it online?
In the UK, it will be shown on BBC One, with coverage starting at 2:30pm, as well as on the BBC iPlayer.
The match will be shown on Fox Sports 1 in the United States.
What is the team news?
Christian Pulisic has been cleared to play against the Netherlands, despite suffering a pelvic injury while scoring against Iran. Pulisic was taken to hospital during the 1-0 win, and although his status has been “day-to-day” since, the US Soccer Federation said after Friday’s training session that the American had been given the go-ahead.
Jose Sargent is a doubt, however, due to an ankle injury. “With Christian we’re hopeful, I think with [Sargent] a little less so,” United States coach Gregg Berhalter said on Friday. “At this stage, it’s go time. If you can push through it, you do. So I’m sure he’ll have that mindset.”
The Netherlands have fewer concerns and could name an unchanged team from the side that beat Qatar, with Memphis Depay returning to full fitness. Nathan Ake is a yellow card away from suspension.
Predicted line-ups
Netherlands: Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, F. De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay
USA: Turner; Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Wright, Pulisic
Odds
Netherlands: 7/15
USA: 19/10
Prediction
The Netherlands did not impress during the group stages but you could argue that they have yet to be seriously tested at this World Cup. If they turn it on against the USA, they may prove why they are favourites, but it would still require improvement across all areas. The USA have the energy and gameplan to trouble the Netherlands with their press, which is set to be an important aspect of the match. If they can keep Cody Gakpo quiet and stop Frenkie de Jong from running the game, an upset may be on the cards. Netherlands 0-1 USA
