World Cup: Messi in the bullseye, clinical Netherlands, concern for Pelé ... What to remember from Saturday December 3

No surprises this Saturday in Qatar, since the Netherlands disposed of the United States (3-1) and were able to quietly observe the success of Argentina against Australia (2-1).

These first two round of 16 of this World Cup experienced surprisingly similar scenarios: closed, they ended with a victory for the favorites, carried by a goal from their respective stars.

The two winners of the day will meet in the quarter-finals on Friday, in a remake of the 1978 final and the 2014 semi-final.

The action: It's okay for the Netherlands

The Netherlands were the first to qualify for the top 8, after their victory against the Americans (3-1).

Solid defensively, the Dutch were able to be clinical on their rare scoring opportunities, like the opener, on a magnificent collective action.

It took no less than 20 passes for the ball, which left the Oranje penalty area, to reach the feet of Memphis Depay, ideally placed at the entrance to the area and impeccable at the conclusion.

20 - @OnsOranje completed 20 consecutive passes leading up to Memphis' opening goal, the most before a Dutch goal at the World Cup since detailed records began (1966).

Build-up.

pic.twitter.com/B0iR3mp82d

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) December 3, 2022

The player: Dumfries, icing on the cake

Still not flamboyant in the game, the Netherlands were able to rely on Denzel Dumfries, author of a very big game, to get their ticket for the quarters.

Well back in his meeting, the side started by delivering two almost identical assists, for Memphis Depay (10th) then Daley Blind (45th + 1).

In the second half, as the Americans pushed to come back, he ended up killing the suspense, scoring the third and last goal (81st), this time on receiving a center from Blind.

1️⃣ Goal 💥

2️⃣ Assists 🅰️🅰️

3️⃣ Goal Contributions 🤩🤩🤩

That's how you make a statement at the #FIFAWorldCup!

Denzel Dumfries is your @Budweiser Player of the Match.

🍻 #YoursToTake #Budweiser #POTM @budfootball pic.twitter.com/xxrjSzXvu7

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 3, 2022

The phrase: “Sorry Joe, football won”

“It's called soccer.

Go USA.

You will!

All smiles, World Cup ball in his hands, Joe Biden seemed sure of the strength of his players, a few hours before the kickoff of their round of 16 against the Dutch.

But the reality on the ground quickly caught up with the American president, who was forced to recognize the superiority of the Oranje.

And to accept the scathing response from Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, on Twitter: “Sorry Joe, football won”.

Sorry Joe, football won.

😉#NEDUSA @OnsOranje https://t.co/v27gYK7niv

— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) December 3, 2022

The stop: thank you Martinez

Never really threatened in their eighth against Australia, Argentina ended up being scared at the end of the match.

An unfortunate own goal from Enzo Fernandez (77th) first put the Socceroos back in their match, who then pushed until they got an equalizer, through Garang Kuol.

Found alone on the right of the area, the striker thought he was hitting the mark with his pivot shot, but finally stumbled on Emiliano Martinez (90th + 7).

With his spectacular parade, the Albiceleste goalkeeper recorded the victory and the qualification of his team (2-1).

The number: in the 1000 for Messi

For the thousandth game of his career, Lionel Messi was obviously closely scrutinized by all observers... Although the Argentine captain walked a little at times, he still rewarded the public with high-class actions, like his two caviars not converted by Lautaro Martinez at the end of the match.

Above all, he will have scored, at 35, his very first goal in a knockout match in the World Cup, on a low shot in a mouse hole (36th), to put his team on the right track.

🏆 #beINFWC2022 #ARGAUS

🇦🇷🇦🇺 For his 1000th career, Messi opened the scoring for Argentina, which is currently heading towards the 1/4 finals! https://t.co/IhbReoBxdG

— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) December 3, 2022

The concern: the world of football trembles for Pelé

Until the end of this Qatari month, the state of health of Pelé should be a source of major concern for all the actors of the World Cup.

While he would no longer respond to chemotherapy, according to Brazilian media, the triple world champion (1958, 1962, 1970) would have been admitted to palliative care in Sao Paulo.

From a distance, he received the support of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé, who asked his followers to "pray for the King" on his networks.