The Netherlands and Ecuador meet in an international friendly at in Eindhoven on Tuesday.
Both nations are using the fixture as part of their 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations. They have only met three times before.
Netherlands vs Ecuador – Match preview and team news
- Date: Tuesday, 31st March
- Kick-off: 7:45pm BST
- Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
- Last meeting: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador, FIFA World Cup, 25th November 2022
Netherlands team news
The Netherlands are expected to keep a similar lineup to the one they used against Norway with Verbruggen keeping his place in goal.
Even if Ronald Koeman decides to rotate a few players, Virgil van Dijk is set to keep his place as he has been a regular starter in defence.
Xavi Simons might be given a chance in midfield to showcase his experience while the forward line might be rotated as well.
Memphis Depay will not be available due to injury and so is Jurrien Timber, both of them are unavailable.
Donyell Malen was used up front against Norway and later on substituted to give Brian Brobbey his pitch time.
Wout Weghorst is also being considered to start in case Brobbey is still benched. Malen might come into the right side of the attack or maybe benched while Cody Gakpo is very likely to start this match as well.
Ecuador team news
Ecuador’s spine is built around Moisés Caicedo and Willian Pacho, two players who have been central to their recent run of defensive resilience. John Yeboah was taken off injured against Morocco, so Sebastián Beccacece may need to adjust his wide options, with Kendry Páez among the players who could benefit if the winger is not ready.
Piero Hincapié is also listed as doubtful, while Patrick Mercado and Nilson Angulo are among Ecuador’s unavailable players. That means Beccacece may lean again on a compact structure, with Enner Valencia leading the line.
Form
Netherlands
Koeman’s side has been in excellent shape, going unbeaten in their last nine matches and winning seven of them. They also beat Norway 2-1 in their previous outing, and their recent scoring rate has been strong, with at least three goals in four of their last six matches.
Ecuador
Ecuador have become extremely difficult to beat, even if too many of their recent games have ended level. They held Morocco to a 1-1 draw in their latest match, and in their last 10 games, they have conceded only three goals, a remarkable defensive return.
Predicted lineups
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Smit; Koopmeiners, Simons, Gakpo; Brobbey
Ecuador: Galindez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Estupinan; Caicedo, Vite; Paez, Plata, Minda; Valencia
How to watch Netherlands vs Ecuador?
UEFA’s broadcast list points to NOS/Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands rather than a UK broadcaster, while ESPN UK only confirms live coverage details, not a specific UK TV channel.
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