Netherlands vs Qatar Predictions

• The Dutch have scored 11 times across four World Cup clashes with Asian sides
• Qatar have already conceded the joint-highest number of group goals by a host nation
• Gakpo has scored four goals in his last five games for the Dutch
• The Dutch scored 33 goals across their 10 World Cup qualifiers

Dutch all but through

The Netherlands were less than impressive in their clash with Ecuador, finding themselves on the back foot almost immediately after going 1-0 up. They failed to trouble the South American side’s goal much after Cody Gakpo’s opener, ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw.

While the Dutch went into the game as favourites, that point probably suited them more than Ecuador. The Netherlands have four points on the board and only need a draw against Qatar to book their place in the last 16. Even a loss combined with an Ecuador win would see them through.

Ecuador face a final-day showdown with Senegal, so things have worked out well for the Dutch. However, they will want to ensure they top the group, so they do have something to play for in their final match of the group stage.

Dutch need a comfortable win

Both the Netherlands and Ecuador have four points from two games, with a +2 goal difference. The group will essentially come down to which side can score the most goals against Qatar, so Ecuador could regret sitting back on their 2-0 lead in their opening match. The Dutch should be assured of top spot by bettering that 2-0 victory.

Louis van Gaal’s side finished qualifying with 33 goals in 10 games, while they then racked up another 14 in six clashes in the Nations League. Those Nations League sides are each stronger than Qatar, so I see the hosts getting turned over as the Dutch go all out to secure first place.

The omens are good coming into this game, as the Netherlands have won all four of their World Cup matches against Asian sides, scoring 11 goals and conceding just once. Meanwhile, Qatar have already equalled the record for goals conceded by a host nation in the group stage, so expect them to smash that by the time this one is over.

Senegal put three past Qatar in the last game and it could have been more. Ecuador were in complete control against them and should have kicked on to score three or four. The Dutch are clearly a rung above those two in terms of quality, so back them to comfortably clear a -2 handicap in this clash. I’m going with a 4-0 win as my correct score prediction.

Look to Gakpo again

With the pressure on the Dutch, they’ll likely turn to Gakpo again in this clash. He has put them 1-0 up in consecutive group games, while he’s in excellent form for both club and country.

Gakpo has been directly involved in at least one goal in his last five appearances for the Netherlands in all competitions, scoring 4 goals. For club and country in all competitions this season, Gakpo has been involved in 34 goals in 28 appearances, scoring 16 goals and assisting a further 18.

He seems to be in fantastic scoring form for his country, so look to him to trouble the worst defence he’ll face at this tournament.

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