Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Netherlands vs. Ecuador | Group Stage, World Cup Qatar 2022
Prediction, Odds & Betting tips for Netherlands vs. Ecuador | Group Stage, World Cup Qatar 2022
Both the Netherlands and Ecuador have three points after the opening round. The Oranje beat Senegal, while on the other side, El Tri didn’t have any problems with the weak hosts, Qatar, in the opening game of this World Cup. The European side is a favorite here, but after seeing Saudi Arabia beating Argentina, we no longer take the odds for granted.
Netherlands
Louis Van Gaal’s unit didn’t amaze us against Senegal. They didn’t show anything worth mentioning besides two goals scored, and the second one came in the closing moments once Senegal desperately went ahead, searching for the equalizer.
But 2-0 is all that matters, and we do need to remind everyone that the Oranje defeated the African champions, who are shorthanded, though. The problem for the Dutch unit was that the offense didn’t have its usual pace and that Janssen failed to deliver.
Memphis Depay should be back for this game and be in the starting lineup, which will accelerate the Netherlands upfront. With Cody Gakpo in the current shape, these two will be very dangerous for the Ecuadorian goal. Also, we need to add that Virgil Van Dijk had a solid game, but overall, Oranje looked a bit rusty in defense.
Ecuador
The first game and the win. El Tri solved Qatar much easier than expected, earning three points which will be extremely valuable before the remainder of the group stage. They can play without any pressure now and defend as they usually do, looking to snap one point against the Netherlands, who awaits Qatar in the final round, against whom they can secure the top spot in this group.
Ecuador broke the lock of the mediocre Qatar defense early on, with Enner Valencia scoring twice. After that, El Tri decreased the tempo of play and calmly controlled the situation.
This was the sixth consecutive event in which Ecuador didn’t allow a goal, and we can now say that their defense presents the biggest weapon for this crew. The offense hadn’t delivered in four of these events, we need to say that as well. Also, Valencia will be ready for this game, according to the head coach.
Netherlands: Noopert; De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, F. De Jong, Koopmeiners, Blind; Memphis, Gakpo, Bergwijn
Ecuador: Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Gruezo, Caicedo, Cifuentes; Plata, Valencia, Ibarra
The two sides played in a friendly international game for the last time in 2014. That event ended 1-1. Eight years before that was another friendly, only this time, Oranje won, 1-0.
The nominal host in this game will have a massive boost with Depay’s comeback in the lineup, and despite Ecuador’s solid defensive performances, we take the Netherlands to win.
Our verdict: Netherlands wins