According to the regulations, the host of the World Cup is placed in Group A, and of course has an advantage over all the other teams.
In the case of Qatar, domesticity has become unimportant due to the fact that it is actually a very limited team professionally.
The coach of the Qatar national team, Felix Sanchez, may have hoped that at the moment of truth on the home field things would come together perfectly, but it did not happen.
On the other hand, the Netherlands and their coach Louis van Gaal arrived in Qatar with the stated goal of winning the precious title.
The Dutch coach emphasizes the need to be effective, even at the expense of pretty football.
He changed the Dutch playing system from the traditional 4:3:3, added a stopper to the back and built a tactical formation of five defensive players.
Despite unconvincing displays in the first two games, the Dutch managed to beat Senegal and end up in a draw with Ecuador - and before the last game against Qatar, they are on the right track to pass the group stage in first place.
A Dutch victory tonight seems certain, and any other result would be a sensation.
Van Halen.
Changed lineup, photo: AFP
Two ends of the world
The real fight in Group A will be in the parallel match between Ecuador and Senegal.
In the first two games, Ecuador showed considerable ability, and the South Americans present a relatively young team, an attacking formation and a determined and dynamic style of play.
They just have to hope that the injury to the star, Ener Valencia, does not prevent him from playing in the decisive game.
Ecuador's coach, the Argentinian Gustavo Alfaro, proved that he knows how to surprise and change formations, and that he has a good ability in managing games and players.
In Ecuador, a good job has been done over the years in promoting young players, and now they are starting to reap the rewards.
On the other hand, Senegal, without their injured star Sadio Mane, did not leave a clear impression in the two games they played so far.
In the loss to the Netherlands at the beginning of the tournament, she played not bad, but did not really prove that she has the ability to beat quality teams.
The win over Qatar in the second game was under a lot of do-or-die pressure, and there were moments in the second half when the Qataris looked better.
There is no doubt that Elio Sissa, the respected Senegalese coach of the African champions, will have to produce something special from his players if Senegal wants to be in the next stage.
Elio Sisa
will have to take a lot out of his players, photo: EPA
This match between Ecuador and Senegal is equal and unpredictable.
It should be remembered that a draw will be enough for Ecuador to qualify for the next stage.
Two national teams from opposite ends of the world with a dream to play in the round of 16.
Will be interesting.
were we wrong
We will fix it!
If you found an error in the article, we would appreciate it if you shared it with us