Ten-man Netherlands draw with Ecuador after goalkeeper Valle injury concern
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman made seven alterations to his lineup after the 2-1 victory against Norway on Friday, starting Mark Flekken, Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake, Jerdy Schouten, Quinten Timber, Xavi Simons, and Brian Brobbey in the friendly against Ecuador, who placed second to Argentina in South American World Cup qualifiers.
The Dutch, set for one final home warm-up in June, took an early advantage against the South American team when Willian Pacho mishandled a low cross from Cody Gakpo, allowing it to slip beyond Gonzalo Valle for a goal in the third minute.
Ecuador responded fiercely and nearly equalised when John Yeboah struck the upright after a powerful surge from Enner Valencia.
The early exchanges swung both ways as the Oranje came close to extending their lead through Donyell Malen, who capitalised on a poor clearance from keeper Valle, though the LDU Quito shot-stopper made a desperate dash to block the effort and maintain the narrow gap.
Rather than increasing their advantage, the Netherlands found themselves reduced to ten players in the 12th minute when Denzel Dumfries received a direct red for fouling Yeboah, who had broken clear after De Vrij and Dumfries were outpaced. This incident also led to Donyell Malens substitution for Lutsharel Geertruida shortly after, in the 17th minute.
The chaotic international friendly twisted further when Mark Flekken conceded a penalty by tripping Eduardo Plata, facing off against Ecuadors record goalscorer Enner Valencia, previously with West Ham, in the 24th minute. Valencia slotted it neatly into the bottom corner, just evading Flekken and levelling the scores for the visitors.
Though craving the interval, the Netherlands owed their survival in the match to Flekken, who made a vital stop to prevent Yeboah from putting Ecuador ahead.
Post-interval, with Oranje switching to a five-man backline - Jeremie Frimpong came on for Cody Gakpo to play right wingback - Ecuador faced another tough beginning to the half in Eindhoven as their goalkeeper Gonzalo Valle had to be carried off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious knee problem in the 56th minute.
The latter stages produced few opportunities for either team, with Brian Brobbeys breakaway in the 65th minute posing the main danger, yet the Sunderland forward could not challenge David Cabezas as his attempt was stopped.
Lacking any shots on goal in the closing period, Ronald Koemans solid defensive strategy paid off versus an aspiring Ecuador outfit that generated no threats, resulting in a 1-1 stalemate in Eindhoven.