Netherlands-Ecuador | World Cup Qatar 2022: direct and chronic

The Netherlands and Ecuador have it in their hands to get into the round of 16. In an intense match where the South Americans deserved more than the Europeans, both ended up accepting a point that leaves them in a privileged position for the third day. Van Gaal’s men face Qatar, which is eliminated, and is the weakest team, by far. If nothing strange happens, they should thrash and go first. For its part, Ecuador has a final against Senegal. The draw is worth it and, of course, the victory, but the Africans have already shown that they are a tough nut to crack.

Unlike what has happened in the last matches of the tournament, the goal came early at the Khalifa Stadium. Very soon, in fact. In minute 5, a loose ball on the edge of the South American area was led by Gapko with his left leg, making his way between three rival defenses to nail it with a left-footed shot into the Ecuadorian net, unstoppable for Galíndez. Second goal for the Dutch striker in the tournament. Great news for those of Van Gaal, and bad for United. Each target of the PSV striker is one more bite at the price of Gapko, intended by the Red Devils to replace Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. For less than 60 million it will be impossible for them to get it out of Eindhoven.

The 1-0 of the ‘oranje’ did not intimidate Ecuador, who was the one who pressed the most in this first part. The balls into space on both sides caused anxiety in the defense of the Netherlands. Plata and Estupiñán generated danger on both flanks, but they did not find good finishing positions and, when they did, there was the rookie Noppert and his 203-centimeter height. In the 32nd minute, a dry and powerful shot from Valencia to which the Heerenveen goalkeeper responded with a strong hand, in a very complicated foreshortening for a goalkeeper of his size.

It was the best chance for the South Americans in the first half until the controversial action at minute 48, when three additions had already been completed. Estupiñán deflected a shot from the edge of his teammate Preciado with his foot, but the referee canceled the goal due to Porozo’s illegal position, in the direction of the ball and, consequently, in Noppert’s angle of vision. In this context, the goal should be illegal, but the reality is that Noppert was already defeated on the opposite side of the Estupiñán deflection and, whether Porozo was there or not, he would never have stopped the touch of the Ecuadorian full-back, who left indignantly for the changing rooms .

The anger did not last long. Two minutes after the restart, Valencia’s goal did go up on the scoreboard. The Ecuadorian striker scored at will after a good save by Noppert, who once again took out a heavy hand from a shot from Estupiñán. His stretch was spoiled by Aké, who did not leave Valencia offside nor did he win the rebound battle. Sixth consecutive goal for the Ecuadorian striker in a World Cup, a historic figure that equals Eusebio, Rossi and Salenko.

After the tie, Ecuador was able to make it 2-1 thanks to a left-footed shot by Gonzalo Plata that crashed into Noppert’s crossbar. Riding the wave of 1-1, the tricolor was enjoying its best minutes, but the Netherlands used its seniority and experience, put the game to sleep and invited its rival to sign a point that benefited both teams. Especially to themselves. The last day will be exciting.