Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
The Double Dutch headlines were written in last night’s World Cup 2022 game. I envisaged – and so did the SBOTOP World Cup 2022 betting odds – another Holland victory and Louis Van Gaal’s team becoming the first nation to qualify for the last 16.
In fact, when sought-after talent Cody Gakpo gave them the lead with an impressive shot after just five minutes and four seconds – the quickest goal so far in Qatar – that feeling only grew.
Yet in many ways, as soon as the PSV Eindhoven forward’s effort hit the back of the net, the Dutch rarely threatened again.
Gakpo’s goal was the only shot they could muster on target in the whole game as Ecuador hit back and, if anything, deserved to win.
The result meant hosts Qatar have been eliminated but the top two spots in Group A remain up for grabs.
Highlights of the game
On Thursday, Van Gaal stated that Gakpo could be a breakout star of the tournament and his goal certainly showed that potential.
He came to Qatar in superb form, leading the Golden Boot race in the Eredivisie with nine goals and 12 assists in the Dutch league so far this season.
Indeed, it was the first Ecuador had conceded in 701 minutes across all competitions and a first since March.
Many teams may have struggled at that point against the clear favourites to the top the group.
Instead, Ecuador turned in a display of muscular attacking and pressing that sucked energy and composure from their much-vaunted opponents.
They also had a lead man in Enner Valencia who registered a third goal of the tournament with an equaliser early in the second half and was always a threat until he was carried off in the closing stages with a knock his manager hopes will not keep him out of the final group game.
Ecuador had deserved to be level before the break when Pervis Estupiñán had the ball in the net only for his deflected finish to be ruled out as Jackson
Porozo was in an offside position.
The decision frustrated Ecuador who continued their protests going into the break but kept their composure and, when Estupiñán skated into space and blazed at Andries Noppert’s goal, the goalkeeper – who only made his competitive Holland debut in Monday’s win over Senegal – palmed into the path of Valencia who did the rest.
The goal had derived from a catalogue of errors that featured a poor Noppert clearance, a poor Daley Blind header, a midfield mix-up, and Ecuador took advantage with the captain’s sixth goal in five World Cup outings.
They continued to create chances against the Dutch who seemed rattled at times and Gonzalo Plata struck the crossbar with a long-range effort.
This latest display of World Cup 2022 highlights summed up the way Ecuador’s belief has been strengthened in recent years, triggered from a major overhaul of backroom staff and the appointment of Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro, who helped turn them from doubters to believers.
La Tri supporters are smiling, although both Alfaro and fans will know they cannot solely rely on Valencia to provide the goals each and every match.
One more next week, though, could be crucial.
Key statistics
Valencia (six) is the joint-top scorer in the World Cup since the 2014 tournament even though he didn’t feature four years ago. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have scored as many group stage goals as him during the same period.
Ecuador are now unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions. They have also gone unbeaten in four consecutive World Cup games for the first time in their history.
The Netherlands had two shots against Ecuador. Going back to 1966, they’d never had fewer than 10 in a World Cup group stage match. Holland have won 12 of their last 16 matches in the World Cup.
Netherlands have now avoided defeat in each of their last 15 World Cup group games (won 11, drawn four) – only Germany between 1990 and 2010 and Brazil currently (both 16) have enjoyed longer such runs.
Since reaching the 2010 final, Holland have played more games at the World Cup without suffering a defeat (nine) than any other side.
What’s next?
This group will be decided on Tuesday afternoon (November 29) with Holland still favourites to top the group as they meet Qatar.
Ecuador face Senegal at the same time and only need a draw to qualify for the knockout phase.
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