A crossbar saves the Netherlands, Ecuador forces a 1-1 draw for Van Gaal

The challenge between the Netherlands and Ecuador ended in a draw.

The Netherlands and Ecuador drew 1-1 in the second match of Group A of Qatar 2022: Gakpo was answered by Valencia. Poor performance by the Oranje, who nevertheless remain at the top of the group together with the South Americans on 4 points.

Senegal is at 3 while the hosts Qatar, at zero, are definitely eliminated.

The Netherlands found the lead immediately in the 6th minute with a left-footed torpedo from outside the box by Gakpo, who was good at finding the right gap to pierce Galindez. The Oranje despite an encouraging start lost the field, however, against a surging Ecuador that was dangerous with Valencia and Caicedo.

Van Gaal’s team suffered especially on the right flank, while forward they failed to create any dangerous chances. In the final half, Noppert had to save twice for the orange formation, while in the 45th minute the South Americans were denied Estupinan’s equalizing goal because of an irregular position of Porozo, who disturbed Noppert’s view.

In the second half came Ecuador’s well-deserved 1-1: scorer Valencia, already 3 goals into the World Cup, tap-in after Noppert’s short clearance on Estupinan’s shot. The Netherlands failed to react, in great confusion in midfield and attack, and in the 60th minute Alfaro’s team came close to making it 2-1 with a crossbar hit by Plata.

In the final half, out due to injury Valencia, the game dropped sharply in pace and the result never changed.