Dum-founded! (12/3)

WHITTIER, CA -- 1A-Netherland's Denzel Dumfries had two excellent low crosses that led to goals, one early (10') and a dagger before halftime (45'+1'), and then scored himself in the 81' on a wide open strike to lead NED to a 3-1 win over 2B-USA.  USA had a 54%-33% possession advantage, but that was by design as NED's first two shots on goal were goals.  Clinical finishing.  USA missed a point blank open shot in the 3', NED finished theirs.  USA did outshot NED 18-11 (7-6 on goal) but spent a lot of energy early.

NED was getting sloppy and USA finally capitalized on a Christian Pulisic cross that happened to hit the back of Haji Wright's foot and the ball leapt over the 6'-8" GK and into the goal to cut the deficit to 2-1.  But that only lasted five minutes as Dumfries scored to seal the victory.  NED is now unbeaten in their last 19 matches and USA is now 0-4 against UEFA teams in the R16.

Lionel Messi scored for 1C-Argentina early and an AUS GK gaffe extended the lead to 2-0 in the 57'.  But an own goal off a deflection pulled 2D-Australia within one in the 77' and unlike the USA, they didn't allow the killer 3rd goal.  While ARG blew some chances, AUS had a few of their own including at the end (point blank but straight at the GK) and ARG goes to the Quarters winning 2-1.

Wore my authentic 2002 USA Home jersey in hopes of rekindling USA's QF run in 2002.  I kept my thoughts on the blog:

USA v NED - Live!

as the match wore on.  Had to wash the loss down with one SoCal's iconic taco shop, Arturo's Puffy Taco in Whittier.  If you haven't been, the classic ground beef taco is excellent and has been featured on the Food Channel.  It's one of those foods that you cannot find anywhere else.  You would think someone would mimic the formula so I wouldn't have to drive there when I have the craving.  

98 had ARG and 88 had NED in their QF.  Two (Cicero (86th-Tied, 58 pts) (who was tied for 1st on Nov 29) and Ugh, as If! (67th-T, 60)) lost USA as their champ.  81 got both ARG & NED while 4 got none.  Kankleiscious still in 1st with 74 points while Markofthebeast is last with 42 pts.