Cody Gakpo’s sixth-minute rocket gave the Netherlands a 1-0 lead over Ecuador at halftime in their World Cup Group A clash at the Khalifa International Stadium on Friday, leaving the Dutch on the brink of securing a place in the knockout rounds .
Ener Valencia, who had scored both of Ecuador’s goals in their opening 2-0 win over Qatar, had the South Americans’ best chance, forcing Dutch goalkeeper Andries Knoppert to make a diving save from his curling shot.