Hosts first to depart occasion: After Netherlands-Ecuador break up factors, Qatar out of the World Cup
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia, heart, celebrates with teammates after scoring his aspect’s first purpose through the World Cup group A soccer match between the Netherlands and Ecuador, on the Khalifa Worldwide Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (AP Picture/Aijaz Rahi)
Two groups locked in opposition to one another with a five-man backline is sure to supply a turgid affair, even when each have sufficient attacking prowess. So it was solely fathomable that the Netherlands and Ecuador produced a colourless, stifled recreation, in utter distinction to the colourful color across the stadium. A number of Dutch followers had arrived of their glowing orange thobes and keffiyeh, Ecuadorians of their flashy yellow t-shirts. Each eked out some extent that noticed them degree with three factors, however the consequence ended all hopes of hosts Qatar progressing to the final 16, after their defeats to Ecuador and Senegal.
Ecuador exceeded their expectations. They had been to defend stoutly and counterattack. As an alternative, they pinned the Dutch on the mat, and however for an unlucky off-side may have grabbed all three factors. However the Dutch, who nurse title ambitions, confirmed neither journey nor ambition within the 1-1 draw. The statistics painting a painful image — the Dutch mustered only a lone shot on purpose, and only one off the goal. To assume that they thought-about themselves as title-suitors baffles. In distinction, Ecuador had 4 pictures on purpose. (READ MORE)
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