Netherlands and Ecuador have 4 points each, while Senegal 3 with one match in spare. 

As the World cup in Qatar reaches new heights of excitement and challenges, Group A will be seeing a very heavy battle between Ecuador and Senegal for a spot in the second round. Netherlands will be hoping for an easy win, but they were under pressure from criticism for the draw in the previous game. So, they will be going hard on Qatar to ensure a win. 

Louis van Gaal has accepted criticism of the Netherlands draw with Ecuador and said:" agree with the criticism but we are unbeaten for 17 matches and I think if you look at the goal difference too we deserve some respect.”

“I hope this is no pressure at all because you always have to identify the goal and if you don’t identify the purposes and say the quarter-finals is enough you won’t become world champions,”.

In the other match, Ecuador will be in confidence after their draw against Netherlands. Enner has scored all the goals for Ecuador so far, and is leading in the tournament along with France's Mbeppe. They were also on top of the European team, with more shots and on target attempts. Ecuador just need to avoid defeat against Senegal, but they will be hoping to seal the matter with a win. Senegal have won both of their previous meetings with Ecuador in all competitions, winning friendly matches in May 2002 (1-0) and December 2005 (2-1). 

Ecuador's Argentinian coach Gustavo Alfaro,  promised the team would "try and play the best World Cup in Ecuadorian history". He also said that even though star striker Enner Valencia has a knee sprain, he would play against Senegal. 

"He has a knee sprain but he has a big heart and he wants to be in every battle for our national team."