Netherlands vs Qatar: The Dutch look to secure qualification against already eliminated Qatar
Netherlands face off against an already eliminated Qatar side on Tuesday as the Dutch look to secure their passage into the knockout stages.
The Dutch will be looking to assert their position at the top of Group A whereas the hosts will be merely playing for pride following two timid performances against Senegal and Ecuador. The football team have been just as appalling as the hospitality shown towards travelling fans in Qatar.
Qatar became the first host nation to lose an opening game since the World Cup’s inception and were also the first team to be dumped out of the competition.
The Netherlands have looked inconsistent. They started off with a hard-fought win over Senegal but followed it up with an under-par performance against an impressive looking Ecuador side.
Cody Gakpo has certainly been their standout player with two goals in two so far and will certainly be looking to extend his tally against a leaky looking Qatar defense. The hosts have let in 5 goals in two games and have also conceded 19 shots in 180 minutes of football.
Head coach Louis van Gaal has been easing Memphis Depay back into the fold following his injury and he could be set to make his first appearance of the tournament tomorrow.
As for Qatar, Mohammed Muntari, who grabbed their first goal of the tournament, is in line for a start as a reward for his impressive performance off the bench against Senegal.
As Qatar have already been eliminated, a win for the Netherlands seems like a formality. Qatar’s poor performances and the Dutch’s need for improvement on their last fixture is a further indication of what the result will be.
Netherlands will qualify if they avoid defeat against Qatar and will be looking for a solid performance to enhance their legitimacy as contenders for the World Cup crown.
