World Cup: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador - reaction

1. Use play icon at the top of page for live commentary from Khalifa International Stadium, Qatar
2. FT: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador - Cody Gakpo opens scoring, Enner Valencia levels
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Emma Sanders

BBC Sport at Khalifa International Stadium

It's a bit of a one-man show for each team so far. Cody Gakpo has so much energy and he has an aura about him - a player in confidence.

Enner Valencia is the one getting the Ecuador fans excited when he has the ball. He had one run down the left but lost possession after his half-volley in the box was blocked. Very much on the peripheral.

Matt Upson

Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

The challenge now is whether Ecuador can keep their heads up and keep doing what they're doing and see how far they can get like that.

According to Opta, Cody Gakpo's strike had an xG of just 0.04.

Given he's right footed as well, that was some shot with his weaker peg.

Enner Valencia does not appear to be struggling with his knee as he runs at the Netherlands defence.

Nathan Ake ushers him down the channel though and sees it out for a goal kick.

Composed defending from the Manchester City man.

Getty Images

Jurrien Timber clatters into Enner Valencia from behind and the free-kick is worked out to Angelo Preciado.

He tosses it into the box, Pervis Estupinan heads back to Valencia but his bouncing shot is headed clear by Virgil van Dijk.

Good response from Ecuador.

Matt Upson

Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Wow! What a strike.

Unbelievable finish, talk about take an opportunity that's just popped out in front of you. Some of the best finishes you see are the ones that are so instinctive and that was exactly that.

He just smashes it with his left foot, to even see that gap is amazing. The goalkeeper had absolutely no chance. He threw himself at it but there's no way he was saving that.

Cody Gakpo is in brilliant form.

Emma Sanders

BBC Sport at Khalifa International Stadium

What a start for the Netherlands! It's those two again - Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen, who both scored in the late victory over Senegal - who combine. Ecuador fans immediately start chanting in encouragement as their team break into the Dutch half following the restart.

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Gakpo! Pick that one out!

Bill

Netherlands have avoided defeat in their last 20 matches when scoring the opening goal in the World Cup, dating back to 11 June 1978 against Scotland - Archie Gemmill an' all that.

Cody Gakpo, meanwhile, is only the second player to score in his first two World Cup appearances for the Netherlands, after Memphis Depay in 2014.

There goes that defensive record - to the fastest goal of the World Cup so far.

Ecuador aren't used to being behind so I wonder what they've got in response.

GOAL - Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

Davy Klassen capitalises on some loose play from Ecuador outside the box. He taps it forward but then it's all about Cody Gakpo.

One touch to control before taking aim with his left foot and rocketing the ball past Hernan Galindez.

Two in two for the in-demand PSV frontman.

Getty Images

Angelo Preciado is back on.

Disaster averted.

Matt Upson

Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's going to be quite a high tempo game I think. I watched Ecuador in the opening game and they started with energy, especially in the middle of the park.

Early concern for Ecuador here.

Angelo Preciado is down clutching his groin with no-one anywhere near him.

Frenkie de Jong puts it out so he can get some treatment.

Emma Sanders

BBC Sport at Khalifa International Stadium

The Dutch fans in the left corner behind their goalkeeper Andries Noppert were fairly quiet before kick-off but they have jumped into gear now we're under way.

There's a large number of Ecuador fans wearing yellow over on the far side. They were in fine voice during the national anthems.

Ecuador have taken their white jackets off and are sporting their blue away shirts, with white shorts and socks.

The Netherlands, as ever, are in their full orange garb and straight away they're looking to control the ball.

Can they break down an Ecuador defence that hasn't conceded a goal for seven games?

KICK-OFF

Off we go.

Virgil van Dijk bellows a hearty "Come on" as the Dutch anthem finishes.

The Ecuador side, looking fresh in their all-white jackets, are in fine voice for theirs and a roar resounds round the stadium.

The stage is set.

Getty Images

Caution...

Emma Sanders

BBC Sport at Khalifa International Stadium

There are a few players who are one booking away from missing the next match, including Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has been left on the bench tonight.

Brighton's Moises Caicedo is in the same boat, alongside Ecuador team-mate Jhegson Mendez - both in the starting XI.

As they enter the pitch for the anthems, a reminder of the teams.

BBC Sport

BBC Sport