Despite the match between Ecuador and the Netherlands ending in a 1-1 draw, there was one loser: Qatar. The host country was mathematically eliminated from the tournament after the Ecuador-Netherlands result paired with its loss today against Senegal.
Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead five minutes into the match (1-0) with a great shot from outside the box. From that point on, The Ecuadorian team dominated and had the best chances. One of the best players of this World Cup so far, Enner Valencia, equalized the score (1-1) in the 49th minute after taking advantage of a deflected save by the Dutch goalkeeper. However, the Ecuadorian striker later came off with an injury, much to the concern of his team and country. Gonzalo Plata could have given Ecuador the victory if his shot had not bounced off the post.
A draw leaves both teams needing just one point to qualify for the round of 16.
