Ecuador drew with the Netherlands, leaving Group A wide open, and Enner Valencia scored his third goal of the World Cup before leaving on a stretcher.
Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven scored the Netherlands’ first goal in just five minutes and four seconds to give his team the lead. This was the fastest goal scored in Qatar thus far.
However, the Dutch were unable to extend their advantage as Pervis Estupinan of Ecuador had a goal disallowed just before halftime.
At the Khalifa International Stadium, Ecuador fans were jubilant throughout the second half as their team continued to create chances against a nervous Netherlands team after tying the score shortly after halftime.
Valencia pushed in the rebound of Estupinan’s parried shot in the 49th minute, and the entire Ecuadorian team raced over to the corner flag to celebrate with him. Shortly after, Gonzalo Plata’s long-range attempt missed the crossbar.
On the opening night of the World Cup, Ecuador beat Qatar 2-0, and captain Valencia, who scored both goals, was a persistent threat but had his night cut short by injury.
The former West Ham and Everton striker was spotted limping to his place in the dugout after collapsing in the final second of regulation and being carried away on a stretcher.
The Netherlands, Ecuador, and Senegal will all be competing for a spot in the round of 16 in the final group game as a result of the result, and all three teams have a chance to advance as table leaders.
Since the Netherlands are overwhelming favourites to defeat bottom-place Qatar in their final group match, all attention will be on a match between Ecuador and Senegal that will determine the standings.
The Netherlands failed to generate many chances as the game went on, but Gakpo’s first goal was the first goal Ecuador had allowed in 701 minutes across all competitions and the first since March.
Jackson Porozo’s offside and obstruction of the goalkeeper’s view caused Estupinan’s goal to be disallowed, leaving him angry at halftime while some of his teammates stayed on the field to speak with the officials.
Memphis Depay was substituted by Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal at halftime as the Barcelona forward continues his comeback from injury, but it didn’t make much of a difference as Ecuador were unlucky not to win all three points.
