On Saturday 3 December 2022, the first of four consecutive days of last-16 matches saw the Netherlands (ranked #8) face the USA (ranked #18), and Argentina (ranked #3) face Australia (ranked #38), with the winners of both meeting in the first quarter-final.

In the first match, the USA started off on the front foot and put the Dutch, unbeaten in 18 games and playing in an all-orange strip, under pressure in the initial period, particularly Noppert in the Dutch goal who had only earned his first cap in their first game of this tournament. Pulisic, in particular, was causing the Dutch problems with his runs and crosses. But, on 9 minutes, it was the Dutch who took the lead. A break through the centre saw the ball being passed out wide to the right where Dumfries hit it first time into the box whereupon Memphis Depay shot the ball beyond the reach of outstretched goalkeeper, Turner. 1-0 to the Netherlands. The Americans continued to play up high, putting the Dutch under pressure, but they could not find the space in their box; meanwhile, Daley Blind saw his shot sail spectacularly high and over the USA goal when presented with a chance on 16 minutes. By the time half an hour had been played, the Dutch superiority was showing through and the American players seemed to have become more hesitant in their approach. Adams and Robinson were playing well in midfield for the USA and were winning 50-50 balls, but the Dutch backline were playing solidly. On 42 minutes, Weah almost got the equaliser for the USA but Noppert was able to get down and parry the shot. And Dest almost got through too, but the Dutch survived both scares. Seconds before the break (1 minute if added time announced), Daley Blind hit a well/timed cross into the back of the USA goal. HT 2-0 to the Netherlands. The Dutch made the game’s first substitution with Bergwijn starting the second half in place of de Room, with the USA replacing Ferreira by Reyna. Like they did in the first half, the USA started the second strongly, and almost got a goal back on 48 minutes, only for the Dutch defence to sVe off the line. The Dutch then moved the ball quickly upfield and the Americans had goalkeeper Turner to thank for stopping a shot from Depay. Then Pulisic tested Noppert up the other end, and Weston McKennie shot over the bar. Both teams were playing open, expansive and entertaining football. On 64 minutes, Aaronson and Wright were brought on for Weah and McKennie to try to force a way through the Dutch defence. On 70 minutes, Turner made a magnificent double save from Blind and Depay who followed his colleague’s rasping shot with a powerful diving header. Up the other end, Wright forcedca goal/line clearance from Yedlin then replaced Dest in the American defence. On 75 minutes, the USA scored! From a Renya cross into a crowded box, Wright managed an outrageous reverse flick to sent the ball looping over Noppert into the Dutch goal. 2-1 to the Netherlands. 4 minutes later the USA are awarded another corner, but Noppert gathers Pulisic’s cross. But the Netherlands re-established their 3-goal lead as Dumfries, unmarked at the back post, slots home Dumfries’ cross. 3-1 with less than 20 minutes remaining. Van Dijk conceded a corner to the USA, from which Zimmerman tried a spectacular overhead kick, but missed the ball. Time was running out fir the Americans but they had certainly not disgraced themselves, by playing an open and entertaining brand of football. 6 added minutes announced. With the game won, the Dutch made a couple more substitutions. The USA continued to attack but could not find a way through the well-marshalled dutch defence. FT 3-1 after a hugely entertaining knock-out game that sees the Netherlands go through to the quarter-finals and the USA going home and prepare to be co-hosts (along with Canada and Mexico) in 4 years’ time.

In the second match, Argentina - who won the competition in 1978 and 1986 - were up against underdogs Australia who had already surpassed the expectations of their own supporters. Argentina had started this competition slowly but have appeared to “grow into it”. Would the Socceroo’s centre-back Souttar be able to prevent 35 year-old Lionel Messi from getting on the scoresheet on what was his 1,000th career appearance and 119th cap for his country? The game started out slowly with both teams testing the other and looking for that pass that would prise open the opponent’s defence, whether through the middle, out wide or crossing the ball. The first yellow card came in the 14th minute when Australia’s Irvine was deemed to have gone in too hard on a tackle in the opposition’s half. Both defences were proving their worth with Gomez’ shot blasted high over the bar from long range. Australia’s Behich almost got behind the Argentinian defence but De Paul’s physicality meant there was no way through. Australia won the first corner of the game on 23 minutes. By the time the first half-hour was up, neither side had really tested the other’s goalkeeper such was their tentative approaches. Behich and Messi seemed to be having a real tussle any time either of them had any time on the ball. On 35 minutes, Argentina were awarded a free kick which Messi took; the ball came back out to him and he sent a low curling shot into the bottom left of the goal, through the legs of Souttar and beyond the reach of Ryan in the Australian goal for his 94th international goal. 1-0 to Argentina. A couple of minutes later, Degenek became the 2nd Australian player to receive a yellow card. 2 minutes of added time. HT Argentina 1, Australia 0. No changes at the start of the second half but, on 49 minutes, Gomez was replaced by Lisandro Martínez for the game’s first substitution. Soon after, Messi could gave scored again but Ryan smothered his ratter weak shit that was deflected on its way goal-wards. On 57 minutes, Álvarez capitalised on a poor clearance from a back-pass to Ryan and rounded the goalkeeper to slot home his side’s second goal of the game. 2-0 to Argentina whose fans were singing loudly. Australia had stuck rigidly to their game plan and were unlucky to be 2 goals behind. Both teams made a number of substitutions with around 20 minutes left on the clock, Australia to try to score, and Argentina to rest players for the next game. Despite their tight defending and pressing high ip the field, Australia looked tired and did not have the same “zip” about them in attack as they displayed in their group. However, they managed to pull one back with 13 minutes left on the clock when substitute Craig Goodwin's strike was deflected into Brazil’s net off Enzo Fernandez and beyond the reach of Martínez who was rooted to the spot. 2-1 to Argentina. Then Australia had a wonderful opportunity to equalise when Behich went on a superb solo run in which he beat 4 opposition players, but his shot was superbly blocked by Lisandro Martinez's sliding challenge as he bore down on goal. Australia had cone alive and were looking for another goal. 7 minutes of added time. Australia continued press in search of an equaliser and Messi got another shot in on 93 minutes; a minute later the ball cannoned off his legs in the box. On 97 minutes, Kuol did brilliantly to control the ball in the box but his shot on the turn was well saved by Martinez. FT Argentina edged through 2-1.

The Netherlands now face Argentina in the first quarter-final on Friday 9 December.

Meanwhile, today’s matches will see the second batch of last-16 games being played, with France against Poland and England against Senegal.