Daily Dynamo Selections – Netherlands v Ecuador
The raft of international friendlies that precede the World Cup continues with this match between the Netherlands and Ecuador. No doubt there will be a great deal of controversy in Holland over the fact that the manager of the national team, Louis van Gaal, has been very much courting Manchester United ahead of this tournament. But nonetheless, the Dutch have a strong side as always, and can count on doing pretty well in Brazil, even if they're not one of the obvious favourites this time round. However, that was the case during the last World Cup, when the Dutch made the final and gave the Spanish a pretty good run for their money.
In Ecuador, the Netherlands face a team who will be on their way to Brazil as well, after finishing fourth in the always formidable CONMEBOL section of qualifying. Not a team flush with household names, unquestionably their star player is Antonio Valencia of Manchester United, while the former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo will lead the line for them. Nonetheless, South American teams that qualify for the World Cup are almost without exception strong, and it should be noted that Ecuador drew with Argentina and beat strong Chilean and Colombian sides during the qualifying campaign. They will be worth watching in Brazil.
I'd still expect Holland to come out on top here, though. They have a much stronger side on paper, home advantage, and much more is expected of them. The Netherlands will win this one comfortably even without Arjen Robben who is on German cup duty.
Selections: Safe Bet – Over 2.5 goals, Value Bet – Netherlands to win by 2 goals
