HOLLAND – QATAR | Tuesday 4pm
The Qataris were the first national team to debut in this edition of the World Cup but also the first to be mathematically out of the World Cup. A decidedly sadder but all in all predictable record for a national team that, in the two outings against Ecuador and Senegal, never gave the idea of being competitive or up to the level of the competition, despite having been preparing for this historic appointment for years. Two defeats out of two that could well become three on the third and final day against a Netherlands thirsty for points in order to finish the round in first place. The feeling is that Felix Sanchez’s Qataris have no choice but to avoid humiliation and end their historic first World Cup final adventure in the most dignified manner possible.
The host selection – there is still a day to go but none of the host nations will have done worse than Qatar in World Cup history – lost 2-0 in the opener to Ecuador and 3-1 to Senegal in the second match. The only thing to be saved is the reaction of pride in the second half of the match against the Africans, when, at 0-2 to Koulibaly and his team-mates, Qatar finally took courage, deciding to “explore” the opponent’s area and finding the first goal with the substitute Muntari.
For the Netherlands, this match has all the air of a formality. Although Louis van Gaal’s team has not enchanted – a hard-fought victory against Senegal and a disappointing draw against Ecuador – they have a great chance of winning this round with minimal effort. Against the South Americans, the Psv Eindhoven talent Gakpo was once again on the scoresheet, scoring the momentary 1-0 after six minutes, but van Dijk and his team-mates did not have the strength to secure the match, allowing Ecuador to come back into the game and find the final equaliser through the usual Enner Valencia.
Holland-Qatar: the latest line-up news
Muntari exults after historic goal
In the Netherlands, it could be Memphis Depay’s time. The Barcelona striker – who is in the process of changing teams – has only played bits and pieces in the first two matches, but van Gaal is thinking of starting him alongside Bergwijn against Qatar. The other doubts for the experienced coach are in defence and in midfield: he could give former Juventus player de Ligt a rest, with Timber at his side. Also asking for space is Berghuis, who is in the ballot with Atalanta’s Koopmeiners.
There is no chance of seeing a more unprejudiced attitude from Qatar. It will always be 3-5-2 but Spaniard Felix Sanchez seems to be leaning towards a change. Up front, Muntari, the author of the hosts’ only goal so far, will take the place of a dull Afif. There is also something new in the middle, where Hatem – who played a great role during the comeback attempt against Senegal – will play Boudiaf.
The Prediction
Should the second victory in this World Cup arrive on time for the Netherlands, who will most likely make their passage to the round of 16 official against the mother-team of this grouping. Should Ecuador win against Senegal, even if they win, van Gaal’s men would finish level on points with the South Americans. That is why the objective is to score as many goals as possible, the first discriminating factor being the goal difference. It is therefore conceivable that Holland will win by at least two goals in a match in which the total number of goals is likely to be between two and four.
The Netherlands-Qatar line-up probables
- LAND (3-4-1-2): Noppert; Timber, van Dijk, Aké; Dumfries, Berghuis, F. de Jong, Blind; Gakpo; Bergwijn, Depay.
- QATAR (3-5-2): Barsham; Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Hassan; Mohammad, Hatem, Al-Haydos, Madibo, Ahmed; Ali, Muntari.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-0
