QATAR: The Netherlands will be seeking a spectacular victory against hosts Qatar in their Group A finale, as the Dutch target winning the group, and securing, what on paper, should be a more favorable matchup in the Round of 16.
Qatar seems to be a mismatch against a Dutch team which is currently on a 17-match unbeaten streak. A rather disappointing first half comes to an end. The Netherlands lead, courtesy of Cody Gakpo’s third goal of the tournament – which was well taken too.
According to The Athletic: “Louis van Gaal’s side have all but qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament after beating Senegal in their opening match and drawing against Ecuador in game two.”
Qatar have stuck Meshaal Barsham in a goal, while Muntari has not earned a starting berth having scored his country’s only World Cup goal, in the defeat to Senegal. The hosts, Qatar, have already been eliminated.
Netherlands XI: Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Jong, Klaassen, De Roon, Blind; Gakpo, Depay.
Qatar XI: Barsham; Miguel, Hassan, Mohamad, Khoukhi, Ahmed; Al-Haydos, Hatim, Madibo; Afif, Ali.
sources: sportingnews/theathletic
