Ecuador delays the ticket to the round of 16 of the Netherlands

Ecuador delays the ticket to the round of 16 of the Netherlands

Gapko put the 'Oranje' ahead but Enner Valencia appeared again in an open group although with Qatar eliminated

MADRID, 25 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Netherlands team could not get past the draw (1-1) against Ecuador this Friday, which matched Gapko's goal through the current World Cup Golden Boot, Enner Valencia, and missed the opportunity to mathematically certify their place in the round of 16, leaving both teams with four points and co-leaders of Group A.

The initial goal of the Europeans did not intimidate an Ecuadorian team that launched the attack and came to put the oranges on the ropes on more than one occasion. Their captain found the prize for persistence as soon as the second half began and, although they deserved the victory, Khalifa International witnessed a tie that leaves the outcome of the group for the last day.

Now, the Netherlands will play everything against Qatar, which with this tie is out of the World Cup, while Ecuador will have to do the same against a Senegal that arrives alive to the last day after adding its first victory against the hosts this Wednesday (1 -3), in the other party of the group.

It didn't take long for the 'Oranje' team to take the lead as a result of the intensity with which Louis Van Gaal's pupils took to the pitch. Once again Cody Gakpo put his team ahead with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area against which the Ecuadorian goalkeeper could do little or nothing. Very good start for the Europeans against a surprised Tri in the early stages.

However, the initial blow seemed to encourage the South Americans, who through Pervis Estupiñán and Gonzalo Plata made the Netherlands suffer with numerous internees by band that did not finish, but left the first warnings. Enner Valencia was able to equalize after half an hour of play but a good hand from Noppert cleared the attempt.

Thus, Gustavo Alfaro's team left the chances and the game, and even tied the game before going to the changing rooms, but a positional offside by Porozo after Estupiñán's deflection invalidated the goal. We had to wait until the second half for, this time, the South Americans to get the first goal on the scoreboard.

Enner Valencia, who was unable to finish the game with another knee injury, took advantage of a rebound in the small area to beat the Dutch goalkeeper and score his third goal in two games, becoming the top scorer in the World Cup so far. A well-deserved draw for the South Americans, who after a few good minutes were rewarded for their efforts.

They were able to complete the comeback shortly after, but Gonzalo Plata's left-footed shot hit the crossbar. Blocked at times, the 'Oranje' team turned their entire game into attack and with all the heavy artillery on the pitch, including FC Barcelona striker Memphis Depay, they barely knew how to generate against the Ecuadorian wall, aware of the importance of the tie .

--RESULT: NETHERLANDS, 1 - ECUADOR, 1 (1-0 at halftime).

PAÍSES BAJOS: Noopert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, Klaassen (Berguis, min.68), De Jong, Koopmeiners (De Roon, min.70), Blind; Bergwijn (Depay, min. 46) y Gapko (Weghorst, min.70).

ECUADOR: Galindez; Preciado, Porozo, Torres, Hincapié, Estupiñán; Silver (Ibarra, min.90, Méndez, Caicedo, Valencia (Rodríguez, min.90); Estrada (Sarmiento, min.73).

1-0, min.6: Gakpo.

1-1, min.49: Ender Valencia.

--REFEREE: Mustapha Ghorbal (ALG). He admonished Méndez (min.57) by Ecuador.

--ESTADIO: Khalifa International.