Energetic Ecuador bite back to deny underwhelming Netherlands



Ecuador must hope he is seen again in this tournament but they had already proved they can channel their disappointment. They celebrated an equaliser on the stroke of half time, with Estupinan reacting sharply to turn in Angelo Preciado’s shot. Yet Jackson Porozo was offside on the line and interfering with Noppert’s vision, a view which Ecuador countered as they surrounded the referee.

The Netherlands should have made more of their reprieve. They had started with a role reversal: after scoring late against Senegal, the goal came early this time. It was testament to the brilliance of Gakpo, who underlined his potential to be the tournament’s breakout star.

Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands celebrates scoring the opening goal

It was demonstrated in a blur of ruthlessness, a whipped shot struck so cleanly it bounced back out of the net. A man as immodest as Van Gaal may believe he merits some credit, too: after using Gakpo as the No. 10 against Senegal, he shifted him into attack.

Unlucky for some: goalscorer and No 13 Enner Valencia

Klaassen was his provider, winning the ball back for the first goal Ecuador had conceded in 701 minutes. Yet if it seemed a sign of Gakpo’s precocity that he drew level with Patrick Kluivert on two World Cup goals, and from two shots to 20, Holland’s inability to forge any more opportunities looked the more pertinent statistic and more damning as the game drifted away from them.

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Valencia celebrates with his teammates after scoring

Van Gaal summoned Memphis Depay at half time, as he continues his return to fitness, and the prospect of the prolific Barcelona player starting could give them more incision. Yet while Van Gaal had declared bullishly last week that his side had the quality to win the World Cup, it was scarcely in evidence here, Gakpo’s goal apart. There was little to indicate he will have a perfect goodbye.

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