Louis van Gaal is likely to make a few changes for this one. Memphis Depay could be in the mix to start the match (but it is unlikely he will play the full 90 minutes as he returns to full match fitness), Teun Koopmeiners could slot into midfield next to Frenkie de Jong to help offer more control in the middle of the park, and there may be a change at centre-back if Jurrien Timber’s pace is better suited to deal with Ecuador’s attack over Matthijs De Ligt. In short, the Dutch have more options as they look set to grow into a tournament that has already had a few major shocks.

As for opponents Ecuador, they have nothing to lose now that they have earnt three points last time out. Enner Valencia is highly probable to miss out after sustaining an injury in the win over Qatar, which is a big blow to their attacking plan. They will pass it around the back and unleash a long ball for either a physical or pace battle; without Valencia, significant strength and aerial ability is lost.

Gustavo Alfaro will look to change tactics against the Netherlands instead of the attacking 4-4-2 he went with against Qatar. A usual lineup we saw during the South American World Cup Qualifiers was a 4-3-3 for Ecuador. We are likely to see this formation again on Friday with the intention of holding our defensive line while creating quick counterattacks and using our pace to beat the Netherlands in their game.

The Netherlands are viewed as dark horses to win this tournament, and van Gaal has bigged up players’ attitudes that they will lift the World Cup in a month’s time. Early nerves will be dispelled by the result against Senegal: Andries Noppert was excellent on his first international cap, the sometimes inconsistent Cody Gakpo came up with the goods at the top level, and the five-man defence looked rock solid.

Another game in this group with few goals is expected, and a narrow Netherlands win would therefore be a good bet to place.