This group A showdown at the Al Bayt Stadium sees the Netherlands and Qatar meeting on the field of play for the very first time. Mlu Mdletshe previews.
To Win Match
Netherlands 2/9 | Draw 56/10 | Qatar 12/1
Hosts, Qatar are hoping to avoid becoming the first host country to exit a World Cup tournament without a win, while the Netherlands are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
A spot in the round of 16 is all but confirmed for the Netherlands. The only way for them to be knocked out in the Group Stage is for Qatar to win by two goals and Senegal to win by one goal.
Currently eightth on the FIFA rankings, the Orange were runners-up in the 1974, 1978 and 2010 editions of the competition. They’ve collected four points from their opening two games, following a 2-0 win over Senegal and drawing with Ecuador 1-1 on Friday. They haven’t impressed in either of their games so far, barely managing to hang on for a draw against the South Americans.
To guarantee progress, the Dutch need at least a draw. They can still qualify even if they lose to Qatar and Ecuador beat Senegal.
23-year-old sensation Cody Gakpo will feel he can improve his goal tally in this one, against a winless side with five goals already conceded in this tournament. The PSV Eindhoven youngster has been one of the Netherlands’ best players at the World Cup so far – scoring twice for Louis van Gaal as his team tops Group A after two matches.
And while their attack is strong, the Orange also boast one of the best midfields in this competition, with their star-studded defence conceding just one goal so far.
For the Maroon of Qatar, this will be their final game of their home World Cup. Having lost their first two matches (against Ecuador and Senegal), Qatar have become the second host country after South Africa in 2010 to exit the 32-team competition at the group stages.
They surely will have their work cut out for them against the Netherlands – undoubtedly their toughest opponent in the tournament.
With elimination a certainty, Qatar will now play their hearts out for pride, and will want to avoid being the first host country to exit the competition without a single point to their name.
Qatar’s only goal of the competition came off the bench when Mohammed Muntari scored against Senegal. He will hope to earn a spot in the starting XI on Tuesday, in an effort to add to his tally.
Almoez Ali is likely to join Muntari in the final third of the field, with the former looking to add to the 42 goals that he has already scored for the national side.
Verdict: Netherlands 2/9
On paper, this is an easy victory for Van Gaal’s team. They should claim victory here to top Group A and advance into the Round of 16.
