Holland and Ecuador played out a high-octane, high-intensity 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group A clash on Friday afternoon.
Former West Ham striker Enner Valencia tapped home to level the scores after Dutch star Cody Gakpo had given Louis van Gaal’s side an early lead with a stunning strike.
Here, Sportsmail‘s Matt Barlow and Max Mathews rate and slate players from both teams after the encounter at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
Holland and Ecuador played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in World Cup Group A on Thursday
Captain Enner Valencia (centre) scored an equaliser to earn his Ecuador side a deserved point
But Nathan Ake struggled – and below, Sportsmail’s Matt Barlow and Max Mathews give their ratings for each and every player after the match at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha
HOLLAND (3-4-1-2)
Andries Noppert – 7
Was unlucky that a fine save from Pervis Estupinan fell straight to Enner Valencia for the equaliser. Was lucky a poor, charged-down clearance did not result in a goal but otherwise solid.
Jurrien Timber – 6.5
Stepping in for Matthijs de Ligt, the 21-year-old was aggressive in the tackle and looked fearless – but was fortunate to escape a yellow card.
Virgil van Dijk – 6
Did his usual organisational work, with lots of hand-waving, but does not still possess the same fear factor he’s had at Liverpool in the last few seasons.
Nathan Ake – 5.5
Ake struggled to cope with the physical threat of Ecuador and helped keep Valencia onside for the goal his side conceded. Was not on his toes, Valencia was, and Holland conceded.
Denzel Dumfries – 6
He started brightly, with one bustling run particularly strong, but faded in the second half as opposite man Estupinan grew in confidence and influence.
Teun Koopmeiners – 6
Barely heard his name uttered, barely saw him on the ball. A reasonably solid defensive performance but would have wanted to impact the play more.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong (pictured) could not really impose himself on the game
Frenkie de Jong – 6
The Barcelona star could not impose himself on the game and when the match became more physical and frenetic in the second half, he was often bypassed.
Daley Blind – 6.5
Helped to nullify the galloping Angelo Preciado but, like several team-mates, was not as influential in the second half.
Davy Klaassen – 6.5
Set up Gakpo’s early goal but did not do much after that. May not have done enough to keep his starting place.
Cody Gakpo – 7.5
A bolt from the blue to stun the boys in dark blue. He did not get any other chances and was well marshalled by the Ecuador defence – but he was clinical when his one chance arrived.
In-form PSV forward Gakpo (No 9) scored a stunning left-footed opener after just six minutes
Steven Bergwijn – 6
Largely anonymous against the strapping centre halves and was replaced at half time.
SUBS
Memphis Depay (for Bergwijn, 45) – 6
A couple of nice touches, including a cute one-two with Gakpo which almost led to a chance, but still looks off the pace after injury.
Steven Berghuis (for Klaassen, 70) – 5
His night was summed up by striking a dangerous free kick which failed to beat the first man.
Marten de Roon (for Koopmeiners, 79)
Wout Weghorst (for Gakpo, 79)
Louis van Gaal’s side started well but he didn’t change things quickly enough after the break
SUBS NOT USED
Pasveer, Bijlow; de Ligt, de Vrij, de Jong, Lang, Malacia, Janssen, Taylor, Simons, Frimpong.
MANAGER
Louis van Gaal – 6
His side started well but he didn’t change things quickly enough after the break. By the end, he was probably happy with the point.
ECUADOR (3-4-2-1)
Hernan Galindez – 6
Had no chance with Gakpo’s goal and was otherwise a relatively assured presence at the back.
Jackson Porozo – 6.5
Was nice and aggressive in winning the ball from Dutch attackers several times after coming into the team. Nullified the opposition threat.
Felix Torres – 6
The La Tri defender had some shaky moments at the heart of their backline and his place may come under threat from Porozo.
La Tri defender Felix Torres (centre) had some shaky moments at the heart of their backline
Piero Hincapie – 6
Slightly rash and reckless with his tackles at times but is still clearly a fine prospect.
Angelo Preciado – 7
His enthusiasm and determination was superb – execution not always so.
Jhegson Mendez – 6.5
Will be disappointed to receive the only booking of the match, therefore ruling him out of his side’s final group match against Senegal on Tuesday. A combative presence in midfield.
Moises Caicedo – 7.5
The 21-year-old was one of the best players on the pitch, dictating the tempo for his side, contributing in both defensive, transitional and attacking phases. Will he still be playing at Brighton in a year?
Brighton starlet Moises Caicedo had a strong performance in midfield for Gustavo Alfaro’s side
Pervis Estupinan – 8
Another Seagulls star who impressed. The man-of-the-match was excellent, his driving runs and crossing was a thorn in the side of Holland and his shot helped to set up the goal.
Could have had one himself too, but for the offside call.
Gonzalo Plata – 7
A tricky winger who was often an outlet for Ecuador when they were trying to get up the pitch. Unfortunate to see a wonderful effort crack off the crossbar.
Enner Valencia – 7.5
Cool as a cucumber. Took his goal really well – his anticipation to get there in the first place key to the strike – and it was a real captain’s performance.
Michael Estrada – 7
Squaring up to several Dutch defenders showed his drive and never-say-die attitude. Put himself about and contributed constantly to the Ecuadorian attack.
And his club team-mate, defender Pervis Estupinan (right) helped set up his side’s equaliser
SUBS
Jeremy Sarmiento (for Estrada, 74) – 5
The Brighton youngster – the third who got on the pitch – had several nice touches in a short cameo but the final ball wasn’t always on point.
Romario Ibarra (for Plata, 90)
Kevin Rodriguez (for Valencia, 90)
SUBS NOT USED
Ramirez, Dominguez; Arboleda, Cifuentes, Pacho, Gruezo, Ayrton Preciado, Ramirez, Arreaga, Mena, Palacios, Franco, Reasco.
MANAGER
Gustavo Alfaro – 6.5
Bellowed instructions to his players non-stop. His side were struck with an early blow but his changes in tactics and substitutions helped bring about the comeback.
REFEREE
Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) – 6
A little over-officious at times but got all the big decisions right.
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