De Jong's overlooked role as Netherlands stun USA with one of goals of World Cup

The Netherlands have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup after scoring one of the goals of the tournament, with Frenkie de Jong playing a key role in Memphis Depay's strike.

Louis van Gaal's side ultimately ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over the United States and will now face Argentina or Australia in the next round. Christian Pulisic spurned a glorious chance for the United States three minutes in, but after Depay's goal, the Netherlands never looked back.

A total of 20 passes were played as Van Gaal's side went from one end of the pitch to the other before Depay fired past Matt Turner. It was the role of De Jong that proved to be crucial, though the Barcelona star may not get the credit he deserves.

The move started when De Jong picked the ball up from Virgil van Dijk deep in his own half. After the ball was recycled back to keeper Andries Noppert before he passed it back to De Jong, who by now had dropped to the edge of the box.

De Jong then went into the box, dropped a shoulder to fake to go left, before turning right, cutting back to his left and sprinting across the box before passing on Jurrien Timber, all with a United States player harrying him.

He then moved in to take up the position Timber vacated as he ran forwards up the line. As Timber's run was blocked off, he passed the ball back to De Jong, who played it on to Van Dijk.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match as the Netherlands defeated the United States? Comment below.

That pass was the last time De Jong touched the ball in the move as the Netherlands played it forwards through their midfielders. Denzel Dumfries then picked the ball up on the right wing, before he cut it back to Depay to fire in.

While De Jong may not receive many plaudits, his role in the goal was critical, with his courage in possession in his own box pulling the United States out of position and opening things up for his teammates.

The goal was lauded by viewers, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher writing on Twitter: "Total football! What a goal from Holland." Broadcaster Piers Morgan also hailed the Dutch move, writing: "What a goal by the Netherlands.. best of the World Cup so far."

Those sentiments were shared by former Manchester United star Dion Dublin and Arsenal legend Martin Keown, both of whom hailed the Dutch during their commentary for BBC Sport.

"That's the best bit of football we've seen from the Netherlands and the first time they have been in the USA half. Really assured passing to feet and back. We call it up back and through," Dublin told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Memphis Depay just held his run slightly and waited for the pull-back. It's very Netherlands-like, assured, confident, knowing that they have the quality. Every pass was the right weight. One touch passing all the way through, what a goal."

Keown, commentating on BBC One added: "This is one of the best goals you'll see in this World Cup. Beautiful, incisive passing. It's pulled back to Depay and it's a lovely finish. It's textbook. They just cut through the US. We talked about quality and class and it was there in abundance in that goal."

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