The Group A clash between Netherlands and Ecuador concluded in both sides taking home a point each after a 1-1 draw to this Friday at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. However, the draw has ended the World Cup run for the hosts, Qatar.
The Dutchmen earned a quick lead, just six minutes into the match as Cody Gakpo put good use of a forward from Davy Klaassen. The 23-year-old, upon receiving the loose ball from Klaassen, blasted a left-footer past Hernan Galindez into the Ecuador net.
Remaing in the single goal lead at the break, Louis van Gaal’s boys were hopeful on sweeping up another three points from the outing, but their lead was denied just four minutes into the second half as Ecuador captain Enner Valencia provided the much needed equalizer.
After a shot from ‘La Tricolor’ left back Pervis Estupinan was denied by Netherlands goalie Andries Noppert, Valencia promptly got to the rebound before putting it into the net. However, after aggravation of a knee injury, the Ecuador skipper left the pitch on the stretcher, with the rest of the game going pretty action-less.
Final Score: Netherlands 1 – 1 Ecuador
Goals:
NED – Cody Gakpo – 6th minute
ECU – Enner Valencia – 49th minute
