The Netherlands and Ecuador won their first matches with good performances against Senegal and Qatar, respectively. A win for either team could help them secure a place in the knockout stages and, in all likelihood, the top position.
The Netherlands are the favourites for Group A and are having a run in the tournament. History favors them for their team against Ecuador after winning 12 of their last 14 games against South American rivals. They hope to win early and rest some key players.
On the other hand, the afterlife does not flatter Ecuador, which has not beaten European rivals in the World Cup since 2006. However, its recent form with its impressive resistance in defence (7 consecutive blank sheets since March), means that neither the Netherlands nor the spectators have to count them.
Netherlands XI (3-4-1-2): Noppert; Aké, van Dijk, Timber; Dumfries, Koopmeiners, de Jong, Blind; Klaassen; Bergwijn, Gakpo
Ecuador XI (3-4-3): Galíndez; Hincapié, Porozo, Torres; Preciado, Caicedo, Méndez, Estupiñán; Silver, Enner Valencia, Estrada
The Netherlands will then face hosts Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium on November 29. Ecuador will face Senegal at Khalifa International Airport on November 29, which could prove suitable for both.