Netherlands vs Qatar: Dutch a touch too good for eliminated hosts
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World Cup 2022: Netherlands vs Qatar odds, preview and tips
Netherlands were the favourites to finish top of their World Cup group before a goal was kicked but ahead of their clash with Qatar they have exactly the same record as Ecuador and lead only on fair play points.
The Dutch were fortunate to get away with a point from Friday’s 1-1 draw with the South Americans but the Netherlands winning odds are 2/13 to beat the World Cup hosts on Tuesday.
Fast start for Dutch
Goal difference has become all important as the Netherlands look to seal their place in the last 16 ahead of either Ecuador or Senegal.
Louis van Gaal’s side needed two late goals to secure a 2-0 victory over Senegal in their opener, but burst out of the blocks on Friday when Cody Gakpo’s brilliant left-footed strike gave the Dutch a seventh-minute lead.
Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s first World Cup goal with a brilliant header against Senegal but the lack of quality in their squad was only too apparent as they slumped to a second successive defeat which ensured they are already eliminated going into the final group game.
With a flat atmosphere expected and the three-time runners-up keen to keep Ecuador at arm’s length, the Netherlands to be leading after 30 minutes at World Cup odds of 21/20 seems to be a plausible option.
Cody can crack Qataris
Gakpo announced himself on the international stage with goals in both group games and the PSV striker will be keen to get in on the act again to ensure the Dutch get to face either Iran or the USA in the knockout stage instead of a likely clash with England.
The 23-year-old forward now has five goals in 11 international appearances for the Oranje and he is priced at 5/6 to get on the scoresheet once more against a Qatari side that have conceded five goals in the tournament.
However, it may be worth going the extra mile and taking Gakpo to break the deadlock at 12/5 in the World Cup betting as he has in both games.
Gakpo, 16/1 in the World Cup top scorer odds, proved he has a keen eye for goal with a superb header late into the Senegal game, getting ahead of Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy from Frenkie de Jong’s cross and his powerful strike against Ecuador will have raised his potential transfer fee.
Three the magic number
Qatar have lost both of their games by two-goal margins and there is a case to suggest they could suffer a similar fate which can be backed at 11/4.
However, the Netherlands will be keeping a close eye on the game involving Ecuador who not only need to beat Senegal but are likely to need a big margin of victory to finish top of the group.
The South Americans may be happy just to qualify for the knockout stage, but the Dutch won’t want to leave anything to chance and they can post a 3-0 victory at 5/1 as the last of our Netherlands vs Qatar betting tips.
Match Info
Where: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor
When: 15:00, Tuesday 29th November
How to watch: ITV
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
