Who will punch their ticket to the last 16?

The first tickets for the round of 16 could be awarded on Friday. In Group A, the Netherlands and Ecuador will face off in a match between two teams that have both won their opening match. The winner of this match will have at least one leg in the knockout rounds. Ahead of the clash between Holland and Ecuador, we’d venture a guess that Oranje have the better chance of progressing to the next round in Group A.

That would be important because they would then be more likely to avoid the strong English in the round of 16 and would be more likely to face Iran, Wales or the United States. The same applies to the Ecuadorians, of course. Nevertheless, it is not surprising that before the Holland vs. Ecuador match, the forecast for a Dutch victory is rated with lower quotes.

It would be important for the two leaders not to lose at least this second match. Nevertheless, we do not expect either team to play for a point. Louis van Gaal, in particular, will do everything in his power to secure a second win with his Elftal.

Holland – Statistics & current form

In essence, the Elftal’s World Cup opener was exactly as the statistics said it would be, at least in terms of the result. The Dutch are now unbeaten in 14 World Cup group matches. On top of that, Oranje have not conceded a goal in their last four World Cup games, at least not in regulation time, as in 2014 Holland failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia after a goalless draw in the semi-finals with Argentina on penalties and in 2018 the Elftal did not qualify.

Great series by the Elftal

In total, the Dutch are now unbeaten in 16 international matches and have won against strong teams from Belgium or Denmark. The Elftal have nothing to fear from Friday’s clash, as in 14 World Cup matches against South American teams they have only lost twice, once to Brazil and once to Argentina. Therefore, before the duel between Holland and Ecuador, we look at the odds for a win for the Europeans

However, it should not be forgotten that the Dutch had major problems in their opening match on Monday against the African champions from Senegal. For one thing, they were lacking in defence. It was a good thing that debutant keeper Andries Noppert was always on his toes. On the offensive, the Elftal hardly created any chances. But after mistakes by the Senegalese goalkeeper, they still managed to win 2-0 through Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.

It was clear that Memphis Depay was missing at all corners. The attacker was still injured and only came into the game in the 62nd minute. However, the FC Barcelona striker may now start from the beginning against Ecuador. Davy Klaassen also made an impact after his substitution and is a candidate for the starting eleven, as is Teun Koopmeiners, who could provide more stability in central midfield. There are no injuries for the Elftal.

Predicted line-up of Holland:
Noppert – de Ligt, Ake, van Dijk – de Jong, Berghuis – Blind, Dumfries, Gakpo – Bergwijn, Depay – Coach: van Gaal

Last matches played by Holland:

World Cup Group A
21/11/2022 – Senegal 0 – 2 Netherlands

UEFA Nations League A Grp. 4
26/09/2022 – Netherlands 1 – 0 Belgium

23/09/2022 – Poland 0 – 2 Netherlands

15/06/2022 – Netherlands 3 – 2 Wales

12/06/2022 – Netherlands 2 – 2 Poland

Ecuador – Statistics & current form

The Ecuadorians do not have many stars in their ranks. Therefore, a lot stands and falls with the South Americans with Enner Valencia. The captain, who is under contract to Fenerbahce Istanbul and tops the goalscoring charts in the Turkish Süperliga, is the difference-maker. He has scored his team’s last five World Cup goals. But that also makes Gustavo Alfaro’s team predictable.

Steady defence at La Tri

The motto at the moment is to be safe at the back and hope for Valencia goals up front. That has worked very well in the last few internationals, as La Tri have not conceded a goal in seven games. In fact, they have now been completely unbeaten for eight games. It sounds like you’re not going too far out on a limb if you’re predicting less than 2.5 goals or goals at most from one team between Holland and Ecuador.

It’s not as if Gustavo Alfaro’s side were gifted victory in their opening match against Qatar, but it was handed to them on a silver platter. The hosts were completely out of their depth and left the impression of not being competitive at the 2022 World Cup. Thus, Enner Valencia’s two early goals were enough to give Ecuador a 2-0 victory, which, on balance, did no more than was necessary.

However, Enner Valencia was also on the ground a lot throughout the game after fouls by the Qataris. A quarter of an hour before the end, he had to be replaced with a knock. However, coach Gustavo Alfaro has already announced that minor injuries will not prevent the captain from playing against the Dutch. In general, there should be hardly any changes in the starting eleven of the South Americans.

Predicted line-up of Ecuador:
Galindez – Estupinan, Hincapie, Torres, Preciado – Caicedo, Mendez, Ibarra, Plata – Valencia, Estrada – Coach: Alfaro

Last matches played by Ecuador:

World Cup Group A
20/11/2022 – Qatar 0 – 2 Ecuador

Friendly matches
13/11/2022 – Ecuador 0 – 0 Iraq

27/09/2022 – Japan 0 – 0 Ecuador

24/09/2022 – Saudi Arabia 0 – 0 Ecuador

12/06/2022 – Ecuador 1 – 0 Cape Verde

Holland – Ecuador Direct comparison / H2H balance

Till today, the national teams from Holland and Ecuador have not faced each other in a competitive match. Both have only used their respective opponents to prepare for the 2006 and 2014 World Cups. Therefore, two test matches are currently on the books. In addition to a win for the Dutch, one draw was recorded. The South Americans are therefore waiting for their first success against the Elftal.

In March 2006, the Dutch won a friendly match in Amsterdam 1-0 after a goal by Dirk Kuyt. Eight years later, the two teams met again in the Amsterdam Arena. Jefferson Montero initially gave the South Americans a 1-0 lead. However, it was Robin van Persie who made it 1-1 before the end of the first half. Ahead of the upcoming match between Holland and Ecuador, the odds imply that Ecuador will again fail to beat the Dutch for the first time.

Holland – Ecuador Tip

Will one of the two opponents already make it to the last 16? That is the big question before the duel between the Netherlands and Ecuador. The Dutch have a very good World Cup record against teams from South America, while La Tri have revealed problems against European teams in World Cups. That is the first plus point for the Elftal.

In addition, Bondscoach Louis van Gaal’s team is undefeated in 16 international matches. However, the South Americans have also not lost in eight games and have not conceded a goal in seven games.

We think the Dutch will bring the better personnel to the pitch. In addition, Memphis Depay will probably start from the beginning. With him, the South American defence will be really challenged and we think that it will not be enough for a clean sheet this time. That is why we have decided to play the odds on a win for the Elftal between Holland and Ecuador