FIFA World Cup 2022: Predicting Netherlands' route to final

The Oranje finished on top of group A ahead of Senegal.

Netherlands became the leader of Group A after a successful group stage win. Oranje managed to get easy victories against the host Qatar and Senegal. The FIFA World Cup 2022 is in its knockout stage and here are the top five potential opponents of the Netherlands:

Round of 16 - USA

The Americans with an average age of 24 years old have come into their own in Qatar, led by captain Tyler Adams. With the likes of Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, and upcoming stars such as Valencia's 20-year-old Yunus Musah, and son of Liberian president Timothy Weah etc.

They've been resilient at the back with Zimmerman and Tim Ream, marshalling a very physically dominant defence. Having finished runners-up to one of the favourites in Qatar, England, who they deservedly drew 0-0 in the group encounter. Coach Greg Berhalter's side might be trickier opponents than what it seems on paper.

Quarter-final - Australia

The Socceroos have been amongst the surprise packages to be in the knockout stages alongside Japan and Morocco who've made it through to the knockout stages. This Australian side led by Graham Arnold has made it to the knockout stage for the first time since their 'golden generation of 2006, with the likes of Tim Cahill at the fore.

They finished runners-up in Group D to defending champions France, on goal difference after pulling off unfancied victories against Tunisia and Denmark respectively. Pitted off in the knockout round, against Argentina, they might run off their course in Qatar here but are still within a chance as possible opponents.

Quarter-final – Argentina

The South American champions came into the World Cup with brimming confidence but had a difficult start to their campaign in Doha. The surprising 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia came too strong for them. They overcame the unsure start, with a confidence-boosting 2-0 victory over Mexico. The team is led by talismanic Messi, who's looking to emulate his idol Diego Maradona this World Cup.

They finished off the Group winners after winning 2-0 against Poland. Lionel Scaloni's men look to have found their settled team after all three games, with Enzo Fernandes, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Alister proving crucial to their success. The Albeceleste will be looking to go all the way with Australia up next in the round of 16.

Semi-final - Brazil

Tite's Brazil has looked like the real deal until now and has produced convincing performances against Serbia and Switzerland. They won both games 2-0 and 1-0 respectively. The frontmen from the land of the Samba have not only delivered in terms of the result but also the flair and energy with which they've beaten their opponents. Having booked their place in the round of 16, Tite, who's stepping down post the tournament will be looking to rely on young stars Vinicius Jr and Richarlison to produce the goods at the top end of the pitch.

Their rock-solid defence has been marshalled extremely well by Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, the centre-back pairing and Alisson between the sticks. The Selecao will look to replicate their 2002 heroics, as they'll be without record goal-scorer and ever-present Neymar with an injury.

Semi-final - Spain

Luis Enrique and his Barcelona-rich Spain contingent have looked like highly motivated and strong opponents in their World Cup 2022 group-stage campaign so far. They produced nearly a thousand passes and scored seven goals against Costa Rica in their opening group game.

They stuttered in the game against an energetic German side that matched them in intensity and pace and drew 1-1 against them. However, they were shocked in their final game against Japan and lost the game 1-2. They'll be looking to improve their attacking output, despite having nearly 70% possession in most of their games, as their indecisiveness could prove to be a difficulty in progressing further as reflected in their runners-up finish to Japan.