I wouldn't rule out Ecuador yet. Their defense looked good yesterday and the Dutch offense looked bad today. A draw in that game on Friday and then it comes down to matching results and goal difference in the final match of the groups

Hard to know what to make of Ecuador but that Netherlands performance wasn't nearly good enough for me to pencil them in as group winners.

Ecuador is a very physical team which may cause problems for the Dutch.

Here is how Group A stands after round one. Ecuador looked good against an awful looking Qatar side. Netherlands looked ok (need Depay back on offense). Senegal looked threatening and won't feel completely out of it yet.

Netherlands - 3 points - 2 GD
Ecuador - 3 points - 2 GD
Senegal - 0 points - -2GD
Qatar - 0 points - -2GD

Netherlands and Senegal currently hold the tiebreakers based on Fair Play Points (yellow and red cards)

Ecuador v Senagal could get bloody.

La Bamba said:

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Other than Depay who else are the Dutch missing? In terms of big names..

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No big, established, in-form names are missing really.
Wijnaldum biggest missing due to injury.

The bigger issue with this Dutch squad, is that leading up to the Cup (for the past qualification cycle), there was hope that attacking players like Ryan Gravenberch, Brian Brobbery, Doyell Malen, Arnaut Danjuma, Donny van de Beek, and Myron Boadu would gain good run of form and reach their potential... none of them got the call-up due to lack of playing time with clubs / lack of form. The promising young talent didn't develop as expected to make an impact in time for this cup. Very disappointing.

The only other surprises to me were no Flekken/Cillessen at GK; and the exclusion of Sven Botman on defense.

I'm not sure why van Gaal picked Janssen, Weghorst, AND Luuk de Jong.
Three very similar players up top; that I'd rather have Brobbery or Danjuma as an option for one of them (maybe even Malen; although he's been awful for BVB).

Depay needs to get healthy in a hurry. Him and Bergwijn would form a very dangerous, and fun, scoring threat.

Didn't think it was penalty worthy.

It is surprising var didn't review it.


Replay has ruined sports

Qatari CB might be disappeared after those 2 whiffs give up a goal

Qatar just isn't good enough for a team of mercs

Game on...

Dagger.

That was quick

The Netherlands strikes 1st against Ecuador.

MookieBlaylock said:

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Qatar just isn't good enough for a team of mercs

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QATARI SHEIKH: We will pay you 30 million Euros per year to become a naturalized citizen and play soccer for the glorious fatherland.

SOCCER MERC: 30 MILLION EUROS!! Where do i sign?

QATARI SHEIKH: Of course, if you fail to advance from the group stage you will be executed, or you can elect for a 20 year sentence working in our construction industry.

SOCCER MERC: Wait what?

QATARI SHEIKH: Personally I would advise that you choose execution.

SOCCER MERC: ..

Are the Dutch trying to break the record for most passes in their own half. This game is pretty boring.

This game is badass. I turned it on right before Holland got their goal, and since then Ecuador has looked really strong…

It picked back up. Ecuador plays a physical game

Ecuador has quite a few MLS guys correct?

What a game!

All level now.

Looks like 4 on the roster.

Awww, called offsides

TRM said:

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All level now.

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not so much

correct call

How was that not reviewed?

Finally finally finally the refs called a player offsides on a goal

If his lazy arse had hustled they would be tied

Missed that as I turned back to my spreadsheet.

Edgar Davids sighting!

This one gonna stand?

He's on

Good goal. Weak effort from keeper.

Holland have looked great it's the Netherlands that are sucking

Pahdz said:

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Ecuador has quite a few MLS guys correct?

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4

How would you evaluate the Dutch on that squad?