Netherlands vs Ecuador 1-1 Friendly 17/05/2014

international_football

All eyes were on Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal on Saturday as his side drew 1-1 at home to Ecuador.

Van Gaal has been the subject of intense speculation linking him with the vacant manager’s position at Manchester United. He is the clear front-runner to succeed David Moyes.

He was insistent that his focus remains solely on the Netherlands until his future is cleared up in an official capacity. However media reports claim Man United could confirm his appointment within the next days.

Robin van Persie pulled the Dutch level just before halftime after Jefferson Montero put Ecuador one up early on.

Van Persie and company were wasteful in front of goal as the hosts’ World Cup warm-up got off to a stuttering start.

Ecuador capitalised on that let-off in the 9 minute when Veltman failed to cut out Caicedo’s defence-splitting pass. Montero coolly slotted past Jasper Cillessen.

Caicedo was forced off with an innocuous injury and things got even worse soon after as Van Persie equalised.

The Man United player brought down Jordy Clasie’s long ball on the chest and smashed past the helples Banguera 8 minutes before the break.

Netherlands should took the lead just after the hour mark. Unfortunately Van Persie failed to connect properly with Patrick van Aanholt’s low cross right in front of goal.

Van Aanholt presented with a chance of his own in the closing stages, but the Chelsea-owned full-back’s finish was tame.