PREVIEW (via Reuters)
Ecuador or the Netherlands will take a huge step towards the second round of the World Cup if either can force a victory in Friday’s Group A clash at the Khalifa International Stadium after both sides won their openers in Qatar.
Netherlands vs Ecuador LIVE BLOG
But while Ecuador has set its target of advancing to the round of 16, as it did in Germany in 2006, the Dutch will be looking for a vastly improved performance to back up coach Louis van Gaal’s assertion that they can go on and win the World Cup.
The Netherlands was far from its efficient best in beating African champion Senegal 2-0 in its opening group game on Monday.
PREDICTED XI
Van Gaal was pleased with the three points, and vindication of his surprise decision to hand goalkeeper Andries Noppert an international debut, but did criticise the manner of the victory, as did captain Virgil van Dijk.
“We won but we also know that we can and must do better,” the skipper said.
“Going forward we sometimes tried to force things, and we too often left ourselves exposed to Senegal’s counter-attacks. That is an area in which we will need to improve because it is an art that our next opponents, Ecuador, are very good at.
“But I am optimistic because I feel we are going to get better,” Van Dijk added.
Ecuador is confident that Enner Valencia, who got both goals in the 2-0 win over host Qatar on Sunday, will be fit to play despite some concerns over a knee sprain.
Goalkeeper Hernan Galindez said Saudi Arabia’s shock win over Argentina on Tuesday proved no team was unbeatable.
“I think that Argentina’s defeat will not be the last surprise of this World Cup,” he added.
“Despite the victory of the Netherlands, they were evenly matched against Senegal. There are certainly ways to hurt the Netherlands.
“It will be a tough match, but I expect the Netherlands to approach us with respect,” added the 35-year-old.
The Dutch will likely give Memphis Depay the start after he came off the bench against Senegal for his first match in two months after struggling with a hamstring injury.
FORM GUIDE
Last five matches of Netherlands
- Beat Senegal 2-0
- Beat Belgium 1-0
- Beat Poland 2-0
- Beat Wales 3-2
- Drew 2-2 with Poland
Last five matches of Ecuador
- Beat Qatar 2-0
- Drew 0-0 with Egypt
- Drew 0-0 with Japan
- Drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia
- Beat Cape Verde 1-0
WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH
Where will Netherlands vs Ecuador World Cup match kick-off?
Netherlands vs Ecuador match will kick off at the Khalifa International Stadium.
When will the Netherlands vs Ecuador World Cup match kick-off?
Netherlands vs Ecuador match will kick-off at 9:30PM IST on November 25, 2022.
Where can you watch the Netherlands vs Ecuador match in India?
The Netherlands vs Ecuador World Cup match will be telecasted live on Sports18 and Sports18 HD. On Android and well as iOS, the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be live streamed on JioCinema.
Where can you watch the Netherlands vs Ecuador match outside India?
The following list shows where you can watch the Netherlands vs Ecuador match outside India:
United States – TV: FOX, Telemundo; Live Stream: fuboTV, Fox Sports app, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Canada – TV: CTV, TSN; Live Stream: fuboTV, TSN app
United Kingdom – TV: BBC One; Live Stream: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website
Australia – TV: SBS; Live Stream: SBS On Demand
New Zealand – TV: Sky Sports; Live Stream: Sky Sport
Malaysia – TV: RTM, Astro; Live Stream: Astro Go
Singapore – TV: Mediacorp Channel 5; Live Stream: StarHub TV+, IPTV, Singtel TV
Hong Kong – TV: BeIN Sports, ITV; Live Stream: Now TV, ViuTV
Nigeria – SuperSport and Showmax Pro
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