VALENCIA IS TOP SCORER AS ECUADOR DRAWS 1-1 WITH ORANGE BOYS OF NETHERLANDS IN GROUP A AT QATAR
By Eniola Olatunji
Captain of Ecuador, Enner Valencia on Friday emerged temporary highest scorer with three goals to his credit at the second round of Group A when he scored the vital equalizer against the Orange boys of Netherlands at the Qatar world cup.
The Ecuador versus Netherland match ended 1-1.
Valencia had scored the last six goals in the world cup campaign of Ecuador but was taken out by the stretcher at 89th minute with probably a knee injury and an ice pack placed on it which he had to use when he was substituted in the first round game against Qatar. He may likely miss the vital group match against the Teranga Lions of Senegal on Tuesday.
Energetic Cady Gakpo had scored his second goal through an assist by Davy Klassen to open goals chat for Netherland before the equalizer came.
As the first half was being rounded off, Pervis Estupinan scored from a bullet shot but it was neglected by Ref Mustapha Ghorbal of Algeria before VAR claimed an Ecuadorian player was interfering with play from an offside position and this reporter so concur with that decision because it was obvious. However, Estupinan showed bitterness in protesting his disallowed goal when he turned back from the way to the dressing room to meet the Referees and protest again.
Netherlands showed over confidence in the match dominating possession but Ecuador had 4 shots on target to Netherlands 1; 5 Corner kicks to orange boys 2. The Ecuadorians got the only yellow card though the foul records showed Netherlands had 15 to their 12.
Group A may end in photo finish as both Netherlands and Ecuador have 4 points each with 2 goals difference each too; Senegal is 3rd with 3 points and zero goals difference while hosts Qatar has no point.
The implication of the table is that Qatar is out of the tournament; Senegal will need to defeat Ecuador on Tuesday or go home. All Group A 3rd round matches will be played on Tuesday at 1600 hours West African time.