Qatar 2022: Enner Valencia Scores Third Goal As Ecuador Hold The Netherlands In Group A

Enner Valencia responded to Cody Gakpo’s goal as Ecuador had a share of the spoils (1-1) against group A fancies the Netherlands.

In the second match of game day 2 in group A of the FIFA world Cup, Ecuador hooked on a one-all tie against the Netherlands, at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

A logical draw that officially eliminates Qatar from “its” World Cup. With four points each, La Tri and the Oranje become joint top.

Meanwhile, Qatar becomes the first host country not to move out of the group stage since South Africa in 2010.

In the wake of its inaugural victory against Senegal (2-0), the Dutch entered their second game perfectly.

23-year-old prodigy Cody Gakpo opened the scores after just six minutes with a splendid shot from the left that nestled into the top corner at the 6th minute.

The scoreline didn’t tell the real story. Gakpo’s goal was Netherlands only shot on target in the game (two shots in total, against thirteen for the Tri).

But the lead didn’t last and Ecuador deserved much better against the Oranje.

The Dutch ran out of ideas, showed and was completely dominated in energy and determination. Before the break, Pervis Estupinan thought he had equalized (45th + 3) but his goal was ruled out for an offside position.

La Tri returned from the locker room with the same intentions and Enner Valencia finally equalized by following-up Pervis Estupinan’s first shot, repelled by goalkeeper Andries Noppert at the 49th minute.

Ten minutes later, Gonzalo Plata hit the crossbar with a powerful shot from his left foot.
Like Brazil on Thursday with Neymar’s injury, Ecuador will wear their heart on sleeves as Enner was subbed off after feeling some pain on his right knee as he was evacuated on a stretcher and with tears in his eyes.

Author of three goals (all of Ecuador’s goals scored), Enner Valencia is currently the top scorer of this World Cup.

On Tuesday, Ecuador will play for a place in the R16 against Senegal while the Netherlands will pit a Qatari selection already eliminated.

Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m. With a draw, Ecuador and the Netherlands will qualify for the next round of the tournament.