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Zimmerman recalled for US, Netherlands unchanged for World Cup last-16 match

Zimmerman recalled for US, Netherlands unchanged for World Cup last-16 match
Image Credit: Gallo Images

United States coach Gregg Berhalter handed a surprise recall to central defender Walker Zimmerman for Saturday’s World Cup last-16 clash against the Netherlands at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Nashville defender Zimmerman, who was dropped for Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Iran, returns to the starting line-up in place of Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers to resume his partnership with Fulham’s Tim Ream.

Zimmerman started the USA’s first two games of the World Cup, a 1-1 draw with Wales and a 0-0 stalemate against England, conceding a crucial late penalty against the Welsh.

Carter-Vickers impressed against Iran on Tuesday and had been expected to start against the Dutch.

Zimmerman was one of two changes in the US starting line-up as the Americans chase a quarterfinal berth against a Dutch team that is unchanged from their final group game against Qatar.

Catch the 2022 FIFA World Cup on SuperSport in 13 languages. Press “Options” on your remote for languages available in your region.

Norwich striker Josh Sargent failed to recover from a knock suffered against Iran and is replaced by Colombian-born FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira.

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic, who suffered a pelvic injury while scoring the winning goal against Iran, was also named in the starting line-up after passing a fitness test.

Teams:

Netherlands (3-4-1-2)

Andries Noppert; Jurrien Timber, Virgil van Dijk (capt), Nathan Ake; Denzel Dumfries, Marten de Roon, Frenkie de Jong, Daley Blind; Davy Klaassen; Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay

Coach: Louis van Gaal

United States (4-3-3)

Matt Turner; Sergino Dest, Walker Zimmerman, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah; Tim Weah, Jesus Ferreira, Christian Pulisic

Coach: Gregg Berhalter

Referee: Wilton Sampaio (BRA)

AFP

Written by AFP

Mendy looks to have goalkeeping crown firmly back on his head

Mendy looks to have goalkeeping crown firmly back on his head
Assistant coach Regis Bogaert told a news conference that Cisse had not been able to take training on Friday and may not be involved in Saturday's final session. "Yesterday (Friday) he let us take the training, using his instructions and the content he had decided," said Bogaert, who stood in for Cisse at the press conference in Doha. "This afternoon (Saturday) we hope he will be on the field, but we are sure that tomorrow night at 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) it is him who will lead the team", he added. Bogaert did not specify Cisse's illness, saying only that he had "a little fever, that's why we are vigilant". Senegal reached the last 16 after beating Ecuador in their final Group A match, securing second spot behind the Netherlands. Catch the 2022 FIFA World Cup on SuperSport in 13 languages. Press "Options" on your remote for languages available in your region. With Morocco also progressing from the group stage, Bogaert said it was clear that Africa was now making its presence felt on the global stage, which was adding to his team's confidence. "I think it is a trend we will see more and more of," he said. "In 2018 we heard a lot of criticism because there was no African team in the last 16, now we have two, and two others were very close," he said. "We have seen Cameroon can beat Brazil, Tunisia can beat France and in our minds we tell ourselves Senegal will beat England," he said. "Our team is developing, becoming mature. We are capable of beating anyone and we need to be convinced of that," he added. Bogaert said that he and the coaching staff had spoken with Senegal players who play for English clubs to gleen some insight into Gareth Southgate's players. "We have talked with some of those players, some are the more senior players as well," he said. "It is important to have those talks."

Senegal coach Cisse unwell ahead of England World Cup clash