The Netherlands will go into their Group A match against tournament hosts Qatar knowing that a win or a draw will advance them to the 2022 World Cup's last-16 round. If Ecuador defeated Senegal in their match, the Netherlands would also advance to the knockout phase even if they are to lose to Qatar. However, Qatar have already been eliminated after losing their first two games. The Netherlands opened their tournament with a 2-0 success over Senegal on November 21, which placed them in a brilliant position to book their spot in the knockout stage heading into their second game with Ecuador which ended in a 1-1 draw. 

On Friday, Cody Gakpo's second World Cup goal gave Louis van Gaal's team the lead against Ecuador. However, Enner Valencia equalized the score early in the second half, and the two teams ended up sharing points. This means that Holland still has work to do if they hope to advance further in the tournament. As mentioned, Van Gaal's side would be through to the round of 16 if they win or draw against Qatar, while a defeat would also see them qualify, provided that Ecuador overcome Senegal. The Netherlands won't want to take any chances with their advancement, but it would be shocking if they weren't able to advance to the next round. 

The Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but they have finished second and third in their last two tournaments, so it would certainly not be a shock to see them advance deep into the competition. First position in Group A would see them take on the runner-up in Group B, which will be either England, Iran, USA or Wales, with all four sides still battling to qualify for the next round. 

The host nation, Qatar, were ousted from the competition in the group stage after losing its first two games to Senegal and Ecuador. On November 20, Ecuador defeated Felix Sanchez's team 2-0 to begin their Group A campaign. On Friday, Senegal defeated them 3-1 in their second encounter of the competition. Qatar scored in the 78th minute of their clash with Senegal to halve the deficit, but Aliou Cisse's side secured all three points when they netted a third in the 84th minute, and the host nation now only have pride to play for in what will be their final game of the 2022 competition.

Qatar, who have been participating in a World Cup final for the first time, will actually return to competitive play in January as they get ready to compete in the Gulf Cup of Nations. In fact, Qatar has never played the Netherlands in an international game; therefore, they will make further history on Tuesday, and it would be a significant accomplishment if they were able to win at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

The game might end in a 2-0 win in the favour of the Netherlands.

(Image: Khel now)