The 2022 World Cup group stages are now over and attention diverts to the heart-racing knockout stages when the dreams of a whole nation can be decided by one mistake or a penalty shoot-out. Only four games separate teams from glory and Matt Turner's USA kick us off today.
The USMNT take on Group A winners Netherlands at the Khalifa International Stadium this afternoon looking to progress to the quarter-final for the first time in 20 years. Both sides progressed through their groups undefeated, with Gregg Berhalter's men conceding one goal in their group involving England, Wales and Iran.
Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner has played every game so far for his side and is expected to start in goal again. The 28-year-old, who has only made four Europa League appearances for Mikel Arteta's men, faces the tough task of keeping joint top-scorer and Gunners transfer target Cody Gakpo quiet.
READ MORE: Arsenal target Cody Gakpo likened to Manchester City star amid Edu January transfer plan
The PSV Eindhoven forward has netted three goals in three games in the tournament and was a key cog in the Dutch overcoming Senegal and Ecuador in their group. Gakpo has done nothing but increase his price tag and attract further interest in his services with his performances in Qatar.
Arsenal and Manchester United are both strongly tipped to make their move in the January transfer window. United are understood to have failed with their move in the summer after the 23-year-old spoke to Erik ten Hag over a possible move - but could try again after Cristiano Ronaldo's exit.
He's since continued to impress in the Eredivisie with 30 goal involvements in 24 games for PSV this season. With his name expected to be one of the busiest throughout January, Turner can play a part in Arsenal's pursuit of the attacker.
Today marks the first competitive meeting between the nations, with the previous clash taking place in June 2015 - a 4-3 win for USA. However, the Gunners shot-stopper can hand Edu a boost in his attempts to construct his move to lure Gakpo to the Emirates Stadium
Should the Netherlands crash out of the World Cup, that'll give Arsenal more time to speak to Gakpo's representatives and construct a bid for the attacker. The longer he remains in the tournament, the less time there is to prepare for the busy winter window.
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