How the Netherlands could line up against the USA

The Bayer Leverkusen right-back suffered an ankle injury during training on Wednesday and will need to be assessed ahead of this one, but he was never likely to start anyway.

Van Gaal should otherwise be working with a fully-fit squad, with Denzel Dumfries expected to line up on the right-hand side even if Frimpong is passed fit for the match.

Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake will both miss any potential quarter-final for the Dutch if they are booked here, but only the latter may start in Van Gaal's back three alongside Virgil van Dijk and Jurrien Timber.

The trio will continue to protect 6ft 7in shot-stopper Andries Noppert, while Daley Blind should hold off the threat of Tyrell Malacia on the left-hand side.

Van Gaal is spoiled for choice in the middle as Teun Koopmeiners, Steven Berghuis and Marten de Roon battle to partner Frenkie de Jong, and the latter can feel confident of holding his place.

Berghuis could very easily slot into the number 10 role, but that spot is expected to be occupied by Davy Klaassen, as Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo spearhead the Oranje attack.

Gakpo made it three goals in three World Cup appearances in Tuesday's win over Qatar, and the PSV Eindhoven man could now become the first-ever Dutchman to net in four World Cup games on the bounce.

Netherlands possible starting lineup: Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, F. De Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay