U.S. can't seize moment as World Cup dream ends in round of 16

AL RAYYAN, Qatar — Just like its World Cup appearances in 2010 and 2014, the United States' run in Qatar 2022 ended after just one knockout game.

came into the contest against the Oranje with high hopes of reaching the last eight at a World Cup for the first time in 20 years.

But despite having the better of the play and almost all of the ball in the opening nine minutes, they couldn't take advantage.

star Christian Pulisic less than three minutes in, when after a broken play he found himself all alone in the Dutch penalty box with just keeper Andries Noppert to beat.

Pulisic seemed almost surprised by the opportunity; he was kept onside on the play by Blind, the Netherlands captain.

Indeed, the Americans were punished basically the first time they lost possession. .

Before and after the opening goal, Dutch coach Louis van Gaal was happy to cede the ball to the Americans and dare them to beat them with it.

Jesus Ferreira was dispossessed deep in his own end, and Blind beat Dest to the ensuing cross.

The difference this time was that a defense that hadn't conceded from the run of play over the course of three first-round games wasn't able to bail them out.

For all its speed in closing down other teams' players defensively, its speed of play — and speed of thought — with it was sorely lacking the other way.

was just a beat too slow every single time.

The second-youngest team in this World Cup showed how far the U.S

But Saturday's loss also showed just how far they still have to go.