The Netherlands and Ecuador both won their opening matchups of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which means this game is for the temporary top spot in Group A. A win for either would all but ensure a guaranteed spot in the knockout stage, but which side looks better placed to do so?
Ecuador looked at ease against Qatar, but this is a very different opponent. The Netherlands feature a very dangerous side filled with players from elite leagues around the world. Whether it’s De Ligt and Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk, or the exciting Frankie De Jong in midfield, this team is stacked with talent.
If Memphis Depay is fit then that only further pushes momentum into the corner of the Netherlands. He has 42 goals in his international career and lining him up with Gakpo and Berghuis is only going to cause Ecuador more problems.
Enner Valencia appeared to pick up an injury in the opener but is expected to play. He bagged two goals against Qatar and now has 5 goals across his World Cup appearances.
This is a huge spot for Ecuador. After this, they face Senegal and if they fail to win tomorrow, and Senegal get past Qatar as expected, then the stakes for that matchup will be insurmountable. The Netherlands may have all the talent in the world, but the importance of this match will not be lost on Ecuador.
Both teams to score feels like the safest play here. In theory, the Netherlands should get past Ecuador pretty comfortably, but life’s never that simple. I expect Ecuador to score here, even if the Netherlands do break free in the end.
*Side note, Football’s coming home
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire
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