On Friday afternoon, the Netherlands and Ecuador face off in Group A of the World Cup as both look to book their place in the last 16 of the competition.
Netherlands form guideLouis van Gaal’s team opened their World Cup campaign with a rather unconvincing 2-0 win over Senegal courtesy of goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen. The victory puts the Oranje in goal shape to qualify for the last 16. Another victory in this game could guarantee their spot in the knockout stages, depending on the result of the other match in Group A.
The Netherlands has a strong recent record in the World Cup, winning 12 of their last 15 matches in the competition. The victory also means that Van Gaal’s team are unbeaten in 16 international games, having recorded four straight wins.
Ecuador form guideThe South American team kicked off their World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over hosts Qatar, with former Everton striker Enner Valencia scoring a brace and having a goal disallowed too. Another victory could see Ecuador qualify for the last 16 of the competition for only the second time.
The victory over Qatar extended Ecuador’s unbeaten run to eight international games. The game also saw Gustavo Alfaro’s team keep a seventh straight clean sheet, with their last eight matches producing under 2.5 goals.
Ecuador has a slightly inconsistent recent record in the World Cup, although they are now three games unbeaten in the competition.Latest team newsThe Netherlands have doubts over the fitness of midfielder Marten de Roon and forward Memphis Depay. The pair both came on as substitutes against Senegal but could start this game if fit enough.
Ecuador’s goalscoring hero Valencia picked up an injury in the win over Qatar. If he doesn’t feature, then Michael Estrada could play as a lone frontman.What am I backing?
The Netherlands were unconvincing against Senegal, while Ecuador produced a slightly better display in their opening game. However, I believe that the Oranje can step up a gear, and I am backing a win for Van Gaal’s team.