Netherlands vs Ecuador Prediction

Netherlands and Ecuador won their opening matchday matches. The second round of games in the group stage begins on Friday. USA TODAY Sports has their World Cup picks and predictions for the match.

Netherlands play Ecuador in a World Cup Group A match. Ecuador won their qualifying game against Qatar. The Netherlands played Senegal in the Nations League. Senegal out-created the Dutch in xG, 0.9 to 0 7.7. Ecuador should be expected to take at least a point. They should also win. It's not a surprise that they are expected by many to do so. Their pre-tournament success came on the back of an uncompromising, expansive, attacking style. Qatar's pre the World cup success was on a different level.

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Enner Valencia came off injured against Qatar but should be fit for Friday's match against the Netherlands. Moises Caicedo is already on a yellow card. Vincent Janssen's play was terrible and he will be replaced by Luuk de Jong or Memphis.

Netherlands vs Ecuador is a 2.5-goal bet. Ecuador's defensive stability is the truth. Caicedo's importance in destroying attacks is massive. The Netherlands have been consistently exposed defensively under Louis van Gaal.