Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador: Enner Valencia goal helps earn a point in second half

The Netherlands were held to a 1-1 draw by Ecuador in their matchday two meeting. This sees hosts Qatar become the first team eliminated from the 2022 World Cup, and they did so without even having a single shot on target in two games. 

On the other hand, both the Netherlands and Ecuador are now level with four points each in Group A. Senegal, on the other hand, have three points to their name and could yet qualify if they beat Ecuador in their final group stage game. 

Netherlands held to a draw by Ecuador 

Cody Gakpo scored in his second consecutive World Cup game, and did so in brilliant fashion. The PSV Eindhoven star scored in the 6th minute, the fastest goal of the tournament so far. He launched a left-footed effort that beat the opposition keeper from well outside. 

However, Enner Valencia scored his sixth goal in five World Cup games to equalise in the second half. The entire backline appealed for offside as he tapped in the rebound. But, he was judged to be onside by VAR’s semi-automated technology. 

The Ecuador captain had to be stretchered off the field due to an injury later in the game. And this puts his involvement in the final crunch tie in doubt.