Taken Nov 15, 2013; Jefferson Montero (in yellow) scored the opening goal for Ecuador in the 9th minute. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
In the midst of the FA Cup, DFB Pokal, and Atletico Madrid’s match against Barcelona for the La Liga title, no football match was more important than the Netherlands’ friendly against Ecuador…for the Dutch people that is. Netherlands and Ecuador played to a 1-1 draw with both goals coming in the first half.
Jefferson Montero from Liga MX’s Morelia opened up the score sheet for La Tri in the ninth minute, blasting a right-foot shot into the net after making a timely run past the youth Dutch back-line to receive a through pass in the center of the box from Felipe Caicedo.
Although Ecuador’s early goal left Dutch fans in doubt about the solidarity of their back-line, the defense managed to handle the rest of the match with ease and allowed only more shot at goal throughout.
Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie struggled at club level this season which was marred by injuries, but he showed his fans that he still possesses world class skill when healthy. RVP tied the game in the 37th minute after receiving a long ball from Jordy Clasie in the box with his chest and volleying it into the net with his customary left foot.
The Dutch didn’t lose a step after the first goal and attacked persistently the rest of the first and second half. Left-back Patrick van Aanholt came close to doubling up the score for the Netherlands after taking a right-footed shot from the left of the box, but the ball rolled to the opposing keeper with ease.
Despite it being just a friendly, the dull result has not only left the Dutch concerned about their defense, but also raised questions about their offensive approach. Despite taking 13 shots, the Oranje were unable to convert their chances. Moreover, they lacked creativity in the final third of the pitch and forced up too many crosses and poor shots. On a positive note, Jordy Clasie did a decent job controlling the midfield and making timely passes, but he definitely did not the make the Dutch forget about injured midfielder Kevin Strootman.
The Ecuadorians on the other hand left with discouragement, seeing their key forward Felipe Caicedo leave the pitch with an injury in the first half. His replacement, Armando Wila also had to leave the pitch in the second half after suffering a thigh injury. The Ecuadorian offense stagnated without Caicedo’s energy.
The Netherlands are placed in Group B for the World Cup and will face the likes of Spain, Chile, and Australia.
Ecuador is in Group E alongside France, Honduras, and Switzerland.
Match Notes:
– The Feyenoord defense showed good composure in handling the Ecuadorian attack, except in the ninth minute when they were caught ball-watching, leaving Montero open for the pass. Louis van Gaal must preach focus and communication to his defenders in order to get them to not make such easy blunders.
– Georgino Wijnaldum didn’t impress at the attacking midfield, raising the likelihood that Wesley Sneijder will not be ousted from his starting role. There is still time for the PSV man to prove himself in another friendly however.
– Terenco Kongolo looked absent in the first half while his replacement Patrick van Aanholt looked more active on the pitch. Van Aanholt seems to have the advantage in the battle for the starting left-back position.