Leeds United's USA duo Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson have suffered heartbreak on the international stage as their World Cup dream ended in a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands.
Having won a number of plaudits following their performances in Group B, including a 0-0 draw against England, America ensured progression in the knockout stages with a 1-0 win against Iran. They were also the only side in the tournament not to concede a goal from open play during the group stages.
Adams, particularly, can claim to be a big part of that. Replicating his early success for Leeds at club level on the international stage, he had covered the most distance and won the most tackles in the competition. He also became the USMNT's youngest captain at a World Cup since 1950.
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Overcoming Louis Van Gaal's Dutch outfit was always going to be a tough ask of the Stars and Stripes, with hopes of a shock quarter-final appearance dashed after only 10 minutes when Memphis Depay put Oranje ahead.
Whilst goalscoring opportunities were a rarity, Gregg Berhalter saw his side go toe-to-toe against the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Leeds target Cody Gakpo before former Manchester United man Daley Blind doubled the Netherlands' advantage on the stroke of half-time.
Such evenness remained present throughout the second period and Aaronson's introduction from the bench made a significant difference. The 22-year-old cross enabled his side to reduce the deficit in the 75th minute as Haji Wright converted via an unorthodox finish.
Star performer Denzel Dumfries swiftly allayed Dutch fears of an American comeback by converting Blind's cross to put the result beyond doubt.
The USA may have bowed out from Qatar and will, undoubtedly, be disheartened by their tournament exit. Though, Berhalter, Adams, Aaronson and co have emerged with credit in the bank ahead of hosting the 2026 edition in four years' time.
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