World Cup 2022: Can Qatar Derail Dutch Plans?

Netherlands vs Qatar

It’s all over for Qatar. The World Cup 2022 hosts have been eliminated from the tournament after two defeats in two games, the quickest any World Cup host has been knocked out.

But the Qataris can still play spoiler in their final group game against the Netherlands, who still need to win to secure top spot in Group A over Ecuador and Senegal.

But the World Cup 2022 betting odds will be heavily against the hosts, who have been outclassed in their first two games.

Talking Points

Netherlands need to win

The Netherlands are looking good for a spot in the round of 16. They currently lead Group A with four points from their first two games, but they still need a win over Qatar to secure a spot in the knockout round ahead of Ecuador and Senegal.

The Dutch have now extended their impressive unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions, with their last loss coming to the Czech Republic in Euro 2020.

Although, Louis van Gaal’s side were far from convincing in their 1-1 draw against Ecuador. Despite having 55 per cent of possession, the Dutch were significantly outshot, 15-2.

Cody Gakpo has provided the majority of the World Cup 2022 highlights for the Oranje, scoring two of the team’s three goals thus far in the tournament. With his fine performances in Qatar, he is now being linked with a big-money move in January.

Davy Klaassen has also been a surprisingly strong performer with a goal and an assist in just 80 minutes of action.

But leading scorer Memphis Depay’s lack of fitness, coupled with veteran midfielder Gini Wijnaldum’s absence through injury, has significantly hurt their attack.

On the bright side for the Oranje, though, even with their limited attacking options, they should still have enough quality to get past the Qataris, who have been woefully overmatched in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the talented Dutch defence led by Virgil van Dijk should have relatively few problems against a Qatari attack that has not shown much quality in their first two games.

How will Qatar react to early exit?

Qatar’s World Cup 2022 campaign is set to come to an end. They suffered the quickest elimination ever for a host nation after losing their first two games.

After their disappointingly meek showing in their 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in the opener, the Qataris showed a bit more fight against Senegal as they had 10 total shots, three on target. Substitute Mohammed Muntari also scored the country’s first World Cup 2022 goal in the second half.

However, striker Almoez Ali – the country’s co-leading scorer of all time with 42 goals in 86 caps – had another disappointing outing. The 26-year-old, who won the 2021 Gold Cup top scorer award – has just three shots (one on target) in two games, numbers that Muntari has matched in just 36 minutes.

The question now is how Qatar will react to their early elimination. Will they play more freely with the pressure finally off? Or will their intensity fall further now that they have essentially nothing left to play for?

Either way, they will likely find it difficult to compete against a Dutch side that will still have much to play for in the final group game.

History

This will be the first-ever meeting between the Netherlands and Qatar. But it will be their fifth match against an Asian side in the World Cup. The Oranje have won all four of those matches against Asian opposition, scoring 11 goals and conceding just one.

Moreover, the Netherlands have lost just once in their final World Cup group game, winning four and drawing three.

Meanwhile, Qatar will be looking to avoid making more history of the wrong kind. After becoming the host nation to be eliminated the quickest, they will now hope to avoid becoming the first host nation to lose three matches at a single World Cup.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have the Netherlands installed as massive 1.16 favourites over Qatar, who have an astronomical price of 14.50 to spring the upset. A draw is 7.00.

But while it’s highly unlikely that Qatar can beat the Dutch, it’s not out of the question that they can make this match a bit more competitive than many expect.

The Qataris will be desperate not to suffer a heavy defeat and finish as the worst host nation in World Cup history. And with the Netherlands struggling offensively, Qatar can at least make things difficult for the Dutch and keep the score relatively close.

 

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