Group A will be completed first at the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday afternoon. Three teams are still fighting for a place in the round of 16.
Huge group favorites the Netherlands have not yet fully convinced, but Louis van Gaal’s side lead the group ahead of Ecuador and Senegal.
Qatar, on the other hand, became the first hosts in World Cup history to lose the opening game and are eliminated before the final day of group play – the earliest ever elimination of a host.
The Dutch began their World Cup campaign with an unconvincing 2-0 win over Senegal.
Van Gaal’s side initially struggled through the competition before young striker Cody Gakpo headed in a Frenkie de Jong cross with six minutes remaining. In added time, Davy Klaasen secured the three points with his goal.
On Matchday 2, Gakpo gave the Netherlands an early lead against Ecuador, but just after half-time the South Americans equalized through Enner Valencia. Gakpo’s fantastic finish was the Netherlands’ only shot on goal in the game.
The fate of the Netherlands is in their hands when they meet Qatar on Tuesday. A draw or a win would qualify them. However, even a defeat is enough if Ecuador wins against Senegal.
In the event of a loss and a draw or a loss for Ecuador, goal difference will determine progression. It is worth noting that the Netherlands and Ecuador have the same record, so the Dutch currently lead the group thanks to their better fair play record.
Ecuador has certainly caught the eye of the neutral observer in Qatar so far. Gustavo Alfaro’s side, which boast a talented young core, beat Qatar in the first game of the tournament thanks to a brace from Valencia. A controlled second half secured a comfortable 2-0 win.
On Matchday 2, the South Americans then put in an impressive performance against the Netherlands, jointly leading Group A.
A win or a draw against Senegal on Matchday 3 is enough for Ecuador to qualify.
However, defeat requires a Qatari win – the hosts need to defeat the Dutch by a relatively comfortable margin.
Senegal held the Netherlands at bay for much of Day 1 before they suffered two low blows towards the end of the tournament and left the field as losers.
On Matchday 2, the Africans responded with a 3-1 victory over Qatar, which means that progression is now in your own hands.
A win against Ecuador on Matchday 3 secures Senegal progress, while a draw could do the trick if the Dutch lose to Qatar at the same time – admittedly not very likely.
This article was originally posted on 90min.de as World Cup Group A: what do the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal need to qualify? released.
