In a Group A group stage match, Netherlands (1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws) and Ecuador (1-0-0) meet Friday at Khalifa International Stadium in Ar Rayyan at 11 a.m. ET (FOX/Telemundo). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Netherlands vs. Ecuador odds, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Netherlands started slowly against Senegal in the opening match, but pulled away late for a 2-0 win. Manager Louis Van Gaal elected to have Memphis Depay and Marten de Roon come off the bench, as both are dealing with nagging injuries.
Ecuador beat host Qatar 2-0 in the opening match. Enner Valencia netted both goals, which is the good news, but he limped off in the 2nd half and is a question mark to play Friday.
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Netherlands vs. Ecuador odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:51 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Netherlands -122 (bet $122 to win $100) | Ecuador +370 (bet $100 to win $370) | Draw +265
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +110 | U: -130)
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Prediction
Ecuador 1, Netherlands 1
Moneyline (ML)
DRAW (+265) is the best play in this Group A match, as both of these sides picked up 3 points in the opener with 2-0 wins.
Neither team will be keen to take chances and risk losing a possible point here. A 4th point with a draw will put the squeeze on Qatar and Senegal in Group A.
Normally, Netherlands would be the play here, but it went to 84′ before Cody Gakpo was able to break through against Senegal. Davy Klaassen notched a goal in stoppage time for the insurance marker, but this team was not running at 100 percent. With injuries to key personnel, the Dutch will do well to draw here and get Depay and De Roon healthy.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 2.5 (-130) is a strong play, as these teams are likely to play a possession game, but won’t be keen to push the pace.
Both sides will obviously take the shot if it is there, but we won’t see these teams running up and down the field taking unnecessary chances. Both will do well to grab a low-scoring draw, inching closer to qualifying for the knockout stage.
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