World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador: Enner Valencia goal earns draw for South Americans

Enner Valencia scored his third goal of the World Cup earlier than being taken off on a stretcher as Ecuador drew with the Netherlands to go away Group A large open.

But the Dutch struggled to construct on their lead, with Ecuador’s Pervis Estupinan having a goal disallowed on the stroke of half-time.

Ecuador followers have been bouncing with pleasure all through the second half on the Khalifa International Stadium as they equalised simply after the break and continued to create probabilities towards a rattled Netherlands aspect.

The complete Ecuador squad ran over to the nook flag to have fun with Valencia after he poked within the rebound from Estupinan’s parried shot within the forty ninth minute – and Gonzalo Plata hit the crossbar with a long-range effort shortly after.

Captain Valencia, who scored each objectives in Ecuador’s victory over hosts Qatar on the opening night time of the World Cup, was a continuing risk however his night time was reduce brief resulting from harm.

The former West Ham and Everton striker went down within the last minute of regular time and was taken off on a stretcher, however was seen hobbling to his seat within the dugout.

The outcome means three groups from Group A will likely be battling it out for a spot within the final 16 within the last group match – the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal – with all three able to going by as desk leaders.

With the Netherlands heavy favourites going into their last group sport towards backside aspect Qatar, all eyes will likely be on a showdown between Ecuador and Senegal, which is able to dictate the desk order.

Gakpo’s opener was the primary goal Ecuador had conceded in 701 minutes throughout all competitions – and a primary since March – however the Netherlands struggled to create a lot as the sport wore on.

Estupinan was left pissed off at half-time, with a number of of his team-mates remaining on the pitch to speak to the officers after his goal was dominated out when team-mate Jackson Porozo was offside and obstructing the view of the goalkeeper.

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal introduced on Memphis Depay at half-time – a deliberate transfer because the Barcelona ahead continues his return to health following harm – however it made little distinction as Ecuador have been unfortunate to not decide up all three factors.

Ecuador chief steps up once more however at what price?

The celebrations at full-time have been subdued from Ecuador followers after a deserved level towards robust opposition.

Valencia, who had an aura about him all night and had the group on their toes on quite a few events, has scored all three of Ecuador’s objectives thus far on the event and they’ll want him on Tuesday for their essential group decider with Senegal.

His harm within the last moments of the sport will trigger concern for Ecuador boss Gustavo Alfaro however in any other case it was a great night for his aspect.

They will likely be pissed off to not come away with extra having had 14 photographs in complete – together with 4 on the right track – and limiting the Netherlands to only the one, which was Gakpo’s early opener.

Gakpo was on the scoresheet once more having scored within the victory over Senegal, solely enhancing his repute in Qatar, however he didn’t have an effect on the sport afterwards.

The Netherlands have appeared ropey in each of their group matches thus far however are nonetheless in with a robust likelihood of progressing as group winners.

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