By our correspondent
Enner Valencia scored their third World Cup goal before being picked up on a stretcher as Ecuador drew with the Netherlands to leave Group A open.
PSV Eindhoven striker Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead – Qatar’s fastest goal to date – after just five minutes and four seconds when he fired a magnificent shot into the first net.
But the Dutch struggled to extend their lead after a goal from Ecuadorian Pervis Estupinan was disallowed just before half-time.
Ecuador fans were abuzz throughout the second half at the Khalifa International Stadium as they equalized just after the break and continued to create chances against a volatile Dutch side.
The whole Ecuadorian team raced to the corner flag to celebrate with Valencia after fending off Estupinan’s 49th-minute save – and Gonzalo Plata hit the bar with a long-range shot shortly after. Captain Valencia, who scored both goals in Ecuador’s win over Qatar on the opening night of the World Cup, was a constant threat but his night was cut short by injury.
The former West Ham and Everton striker fell and was placed on a stretcher at the last minute of regulation time but was seen limping to his place in the dugout.
The result means three Group A sides will battle for a place in the last 16 of the final group game – the Netherlands, Ecuador, and Senegal – with all three capable of progressing as leaders.
As the Netherlands enter their final group match against last-placed Qatar as heavy favorites, all eyes will be on the Ecuador-Senegal showdown that will determine the standings.
“Obviously if you want to be world champion you have to improve a lot because some of the opponents we still face are at a much higher level,” Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said. “We just need to improve our game in terms of possession and we are working on it. I can’t guarantee that we will make it to this tournament. But I think we are.”
Gakpo’s opening goal was the first goal Ecuador has conceded in 701 minutes in all competitions – and their first since March – but the Netherlands struggled to score much as the game progressed.
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Estupinan remained frustrated at half-time, as several of his teammates remained on the pitch to speak to the referees after his goal was disallowed when teammate Jackson Porozo was offside, blocking the goalkeeper’s vision.
Van Gaal inserted Memphis Depay at half-time – a move planned as the Barcelona forward returns to fitness from injury – but it made little difference as Ecuador was unlucky not to take all three points. Ecuador’s leader resigns, but at what price?
The full-time celebrations were put down by Ecuadorian fans after a well-deserved run against stiff opposition.
Valencia, who had an aura around them throughout the evening and had crowds rallying on numerous occasions, has scored all three of Ecuador’s goals in the tournament so far and will need him on Tuesday for the group decider against Senegal.
His last-minute injury will worry Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro, but otherwise, it was a good night for his team.
“Valencia is a top-level player when he wears the Ecuador shirt. I tell him he will be successful in the World Cup even though he was not so good in qualifying,” Alfaro said.
“He’s having such a good time. He’s the captain.”
Ecuador will be frustrated at not having more, having taken 14 shots in total – four of them on target – and limited the Netherlands to just one, Gakpo’s first opener.
Gakpo was once again on the top scorers’ list after scoring in the win over Senegal which only improved his reputation in Qatar but didn’t impact the game afterward.
The Netherlands have looked weak in their two group matches so far but still, have a good chance of progressing as group winners.
