FIFA World Cup 2022: Ecuador drew 1-1 with the disappointing Netherlands

Oranje took an early lead with a goal from highly-rated PSV Eindhoven striker Gakpo but could do little else throughout the match.

On the other hand, Ecuador had a goal from Brighton winger Pervis Estupinan disallowed just before halftime and hit the crossbar through Gonzalo Plata on the hour mark while the Dutch were on a roll.

Valencia's equaliser came early in the second half, but its late stretcher retirement will be a significant concern for Ecuador coach Gustavo Alfaro.

The result eliminated Qatar from the tournament with one game to go. It makes Qatar the only host after South Africa in 2010 not to make it past the first round.

Group A will conclude next Tuesday with a three-way battle for the last 16 spots.

It was a good start for the Netherlands. Ecuador got rid of Steven Bergwijn but immediately passed the ball to Davy Klaassen, who gave the ball to Gakpo, who ran in the opposite direction.

It was an intelligent move by Klaassen, as the 23-year-old star gave Hernan Galindez in the Ecuador goal no chance with a thumping left-footed shot from the edge of the box.

Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk had to intervene twice, first when he blocked Moises Caicedo's backpass for Plata and then headed Estupinan's cross from the left with Michael Estrada lurking behind him.

Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert was put to the test for the first time when Valencia crossed inside with his right foot and fired a powerful shot, but the Heerenveen man was able to parry it.

After Gakpo's goal, there was not much to be seen from the Netherlands in attack and Ecuador were denied a goal in the final seconds of the half.

A powerful low shot from right-back Angelo Preciado was deflected into the net by Estupinan. Still, the goal was disallowed because defender Jackson Porozo was offside and had obstructed Noppert's view.

Barcelona striker Memphis Depay was substituted at halftime to give the Dutch more X-factor, while Bergwijn was substituted.

But the change did nothing to boost the Dutch, and Ecuador scored a deserved opening goal in the 49th minute. As they did against Senegal, the Dutch showed that they were ready to be dangerous near their own goal, and Jurrien Timber was caught in possession.

Plata played the ball to Estupinan, who charged into the left penalty area. Noppert parried his shot, but Valencia was on hand to tap in the rebound.

Just before the halftime break, they were inches away from taking the lead when Preciado crossed into the box. Valencia's shot was blocked, and the ball came to Plata, whose powerful left-footed shot beat Noppert but hit the crossbar.

As regulation time expired, Valencia had to be stretchered off, a worrying development for Ecuador ahead of their crucial match against Senegal.