Ecuador’s Valencia equals World Cup scoring streak record as Netherlands concede points

Draw of the group leaders

At the World Cup in Qatar, the Netherlands missed out on qualifying for the round of 16 with a draw against Ecuador. Series goalscorer Enner Valencia secured a historic record for the South Americans. A second tournament victory would have been necessary for the Dutch to qualify for the knockout stage in Group A before the last matchday. In Al-Rajjan, Cody Gakpo (6th minute) put the European favorites ahead before Valencia (49th) equalized for Ecuador. Both teams still have the best chance for the next round. After the draw, hosts Qatar are eliminated from the preliminary round, having previously lost 3-1 to Senegal.

Fenerbahce pro Valencia has meanwhile caught up with record holders Eusébio, Paolo Rossi and Oleg Salenko with his sixth straight World Cup goal for Ecuador. The Ecuadorian World Cup record scorer scored the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands (49th minute) on Friday, further extending his streak. The 33-year-old striker had already scored both goals for La Tri in the 2-0 win against Qatar in the opening game. According to data service provider Opta, only Portugal’s Eusébio in 1966, Italy’s Rossi in 1982 and Russia’s Salenko in 1994 had previously scored six World Cup goals in a row for a country.

In the final stages of the game against the Netherlands, however, Valencia had to be substituted again. The offensive man held his right leg and was carried off the field on a stretcher. He was able to walk the last few meters to the bank, supported by two attendants. Valencia had already been substituted against Qatar.

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