Qatar Word Cup has turned out to be a playing field for the underdogs. And there’s nothing more satisfying than watching rank outsiders posing some tough questions to the big names.
Saudi Arabia and Japan already gave their much-famed opponents trouble. On Friday it was Ecuador’s turn at the Khalifa International Stadium. In the Group A match against The Netherlands, Ecuador showed the world their attacking skills and with a little bit of luck, they could have won the match actually.
The Dutch were rattled by the series of attacks by their opponents whose aggressive flair was too much for the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Daley Blind and Nathan Ake. Timber Jurrien and Denzel Dumfries were left catching for breath by the speed of Michael Estrada, Preciado Angelo and the other Ecuadorians. As Ecuador, fearless in their approach, went into the offensive, their fans, with banging drums and constant singing, egged them on.
Codi Gakpo gave The Netherlands an early lead with a super left-footer. Gakpo, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, is on Manchester United’s list of options to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. The goal should clear any doubts the fans would have had about Gakpo. The shot had so much power that Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez did not have any chance. But that was it from The Netherlands.
Ecuador soon gained control with Pervis Estupinan, Enner Valencia and Michael Estrada showing intent. They had a goal disallowed by VAR in the first half. Gonzalo Plata’s shot was turned goalwards by Estupinan, giving Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert no chance. But Jackson Porozo was offside since he was deemed to have acted in the passage of play.
They did not have to wait for the equaliser for long though. Moises Caicedo won the ball inside the rival half. Off went Ecuador. Plata played to Estupinan whose low shot was partly saved by the Dutch goalkeeper. Valencia, the captain, was lurking nearby and tapped it home. He has now scored the last six goals in the World Cup for his team.
Ecuador smelled three points and could have got it. They were unlucky as Plata’s shot hit the bar after Van Dijk came in the way of Valencia’s shot. Later on, the Ecuador captain was stretchered off and it did not look good for Valencia.
Goup A now has The Netherlands and Ecuador on four points and Senegal, who beat Qatar earlier in the day, are at three points. Ecuador will need a draw to advance but Senegal will go all out for a win.
The Dutch are expected to beat hosts Qatar, who became the first team to be out of the tournament. The matches are scheduled for next Tuesday.
