Netherlands vs Ecuador: 2022 World Cup, Group Stage Match Preview, and Dream11 Predictions

The Netherlands vs Ecuador is next as both go toe-to-toe on matchday 2 of the World Cup group stage looking to maintain their perfect starts.

Match Details:

• Location: Doha, Qatar
• Stadium: Khalifa International Stadium
• Date: Friday 25 November
• Kick-off Time: 9:30 PM IST
• Watch: Sports 18/HD, Jio Cinema App

Netherlands vs Ecuador: Match Preview:

Both sides are coming off comprehensive 2-0 victories in their first games, with the Netherlands taking down Senegal and Ecuador downing hosts Qatar.

It was more elementary for Ecuador who dominated the opener and got a brace from in-form striker Enner Valencia.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, were nervy against Senegal, but managed to pull out a pair of goals late courtesy of Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaasen.

With both teams tied atop the group, this match will go a long way towards not only determining which side will qualify, but also who will top the group, a vitally important distinction for obtaining a softer draw in the Round of 16.

Team News:

Netherlands:

Van Gaal made a couple of surprising calls for the Netherlands' opener against Senegal which he is likely to reverse here.

Matthijs de Ligt admitted post-match that Jurrien Timber was probably better off starting at right centre-back, so the Ajax man may be given the nod.

Vincent Janssen was largely ineffective up front alongside fellow Tottenham alumni Steven Bergwijn, meaning Memphis Depay should return.

Ecuador:

Gustavo Alfaro is sweating on the fitness of star striker Enner Valencia, who scored a brace against Qatar before being withdrawn with an injury.

Should they want to bring in a natural number nine, then Michael Estrada could be shifted centrally with Brighton's Jeremy Sarmiento granted a start out wide.

Netherlands vs Ecuador: Head to Head:

The Netherlands have a good record against Ecuador and have won one out of the two matches that have been played between the two teams, with the other game ending in a draw.

The two previous matches between Ecuador and the Netherlands were friendlies played in 2006 and 2014 and produced only three goals between them.

Predicted Line-ups:

Netherlands Starting 11 (3-4-1-2): Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, Berghuis, De Jong, Blind; Gakpo; Memphis, Bergwijn

Bench: Bijlow, Pasveer, De Ligt, Frimpong, Malacia, De Vrij, Taylor, Klaassen, Koopmeiners, De Roon, Lang, Simons, Weghorst, De Jong

Ecuador Starting 11 (4-3-3): Galindez; Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Mendez, Plata, Caicedo; Sarmiento, Estrada, Ibarra

Bench: Ramirez, Dominguez, Arboleda, Arreaga, Pacho, Palacios, Porozo, Gruezo, Mena, Reasco, Cifuentes, Franco, Rodriguez, Preciado

NED vs ECU: Dream11 Predictions: