Netherlands v Ecuador: Dutch can shade close contest

Netherlands v Ecuador betting tips, odds and preview

The top two in Group A meet on Friday and they will both have one eye on the knockout rounds after making a winning start to their World Cup adventure.

Ecuador spoiled the party for hosts Qatar and were worthy 2-0 winners in the tournament curtain-raiser before the Netherlands left it late to take the points against Senegal the following day.

The match at the Khalifa International Stadium kicks off at 4pm and is live on ITV.

Dutch courage

The Netherlands needed late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen to edge a forgettable clash with Senegal but they go into this one at 4/5 to make it two wins from two – Ecuador are 15/4 and the draw is available at 12/5.

While the Dutch should edge this, an interesting battle is on the cards.

The South Americans are exciting in attack but go up against a defence marshalled by manager Louis van Gaal’s star man, Virgil van Dijk.

We like the look of the 4/5 on offer for a Netherlands win but we don’t expect them to get things all their own way.

A victory after drawing at half-time, at 10/3, is the first pick in our Netherlands v Ecuador betting tips.

Valencia leading by example

Few would have predicted former West Ham and Everton man Enner Valencia would have emerged as an early star of this World Cup but he did just that with his two goals against Qatar.

It would have been a hat-trick for La Tri’s captain and all-time top scorer but for the skinniest of skinny offside calls.

He goes into this one on a roll and the 33-year-old, who has been at Fenerbahce since 2020, is 14/5 to get on the scoresheet.

A classic tournament team

The Netherlands are determined to make up for lost time having failed to qualify four years ago and they will be eyeing another run deep into the tournament having made the final in 2010 and finished third in 2014.

Apart from a stunning 5-1 victory over defending champions Spain during the group stage in Brazil eight years ago, the Dutch rarely destroy teams put in their path.

Ten of the 14 games they played during their last two appearances on the biggest stage were settled by the odd goal or penalties.

A 2-1 win over Ecuador is 15/2 and completes our Netherlands v Ecuador predictions.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication