Netherlands vs Ecuador 1-1: World Cup 2022 – as it happened

It was an intriguing game, but it will probably not live long in the memories of those not from the two countries involved. Both sides being happy with a draw probably affected that. Our coverage will now be moving over to England vs USA which is your final game of the day.

Until next time.

With Netherlands and Ecuador both on four points in Group A, hosts Qatar cannot now qualify for the knockout stages. Very few would have expected them to get out of the group, but it’s still disappointing to go into the last game with nothing on the line.

Ecuador finished this match playing much better football and might feel more aggrieved not to have gotten the three points. Netherlands seemed to get worse the further we got into this game and that early Gakpo screamer feels like a distant memory.

Valencia going off on a stretcher will be the big disappointment for La Tri, with their captain unlikely to be fit for Senegal but was seen on his feet at the end of the match.

Almost a very embarrassing moment for the Dutch keeper as the substitute closes down his clearance, but it just ricochets out for a goal kick. Dodgy stuff.

93 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

Valencia looks to be in tears as he’s taken off by the medical team. A sorry sight given how he came into this game nursing an injury already.

Ibarra and Rodríguez are introduced as Plata also goes off. Six minutes of injury time to be played.

90 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

The Netherlands are certainly not charging forward looking for the win, and La Tri have tended to appear the more likely to get a goal all half. Aké wins a free kick inside the Ecuadorian half, but the delivery from Berghuis is headed away by the first man.

Valencia down with a knock, but the Netherlands play on to the outrage of the team wearing navy.

86 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

De Roon and Weghorst are on for Gakpo and Koopmeiners. Will the Dutch get it launched now?

Their first job is defend a corner which results in Preciado blasting it over from 25 yards.

81 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

Ecuador have out-crossed the Netherlands by 20 to five in this game, showing how they’ve made it a priority to get the ball wide and in behind Oranje’s advancing wingbacks. The balls they’ve been putting in have been dangerous as well, not just the hit-and-hope variety.

78 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

With 75 minutes on the clock, here’s how the numbers are looking:

The challenges are flying in now, with Gakpo pinged for baring into the back of Estupiñán. Gustavo Alfaro must be happy how his tactics seem to be upsetting the Netherlands in this match.

Jeremy Sarmiento is introduced for Estrada.

74 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

Van Gaal is not loving what he’s seeing and he brings Steven Berghuis for Davy Klaassen. Bit of a like-for-like move but he should offer some fresh legs.

70 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

The wide runs from Ecuador are causing all sorts of problems for the Netherlands’ back three, as they’re often pulled wide to deal with quick balls over the top as their wingbacks push high up the field.

Van Dijk has made a couple of key interceptions but he’s a lot busier than he’d like.

66 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

A powerful curler with the left foot by Plata rattles off the crossbar with Noppert left watching it do it’s thing. Ecuador should be ahead here.

61 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

Having won their opening game against Senegal and with Qatar still to come, a draw wouldn’t be the worst result for the Dutch. However, that can be a dangerous mentality to have as attack is generally the best form of defence.

Mendez picks up a booking for a foul on Gakpo and will miss the next game.

58 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

With that goal, Ecuador’s Enner Valencia becomes the World Cup’s leading goal scorer, with three under his belt so far at this tournament.

He’s scored five times in the six World Cup games he’s played in.

Qatar 2022 top goalscorers:

• Valencia (Ecuador), 3
• Richarlison (Brazil), 2
• Giroud (France), 2
• Saka (England), 2
• Taremi (Iran), 2
• Ferran Torres (Spain), 2

They’re dancing in the stands of the Khalifa International Stadium and who can blame them?

Are we about to witness the third big upset of this World Cup?

53 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

Valencia puts his side level with a tap-in. A shot from Estupiñán is spilled by Noppert but it goes straight to Ecuador’s captain and he can’t miss.

Game on.

49 mins: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

The Netherlands get this half under way and will hope to start it as well as they did the first.

Depay is being brought on for Bergwijn as he makes his return to full fitness. No changes for Ecuador.

46 mins: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador