World Cup 2022 tipsheet: Back Ecuador to secure a vital win on Tuesday

Tuesday brings the start of matchday three at World Cup 2022 - England face Wales in Al Rayyan, while there are plenty of attractive trades in the other three games.

Ecuador v Senegal

Kick-off: 3pm Tuesday

This is a winner-takes-all encounter in Group A, with the victors set to advance to the round of 16. Ecuador have four points to Senegal’s three, so a draw would be sufficient for the South Americans to reach the knockout stage for only the second time in their history.

Ecuador have lived up to their tag as potential dark horses so far. They were superior to Qatar in every department on opening night; their only regret was not scoring more than twice. And they followed that victory by being the better team against the Netherlands last time. They swarmed all over the Dutch, who had no answer to their energy and dynamism.

Meanwhile, Senegal beat Qatar 3-1 on matchday two. There is still a concern over a lack of creativity and guile, which could prove costly against better teams, but all that matters is that the African champions are just one win away from the knockout stage.

However, I fancy Ecuador to come out on top in what promises to be an absorbing affair. Gustavo Alfaro’s players have performed very well up to now and possess the quality to get the job done on Tuesday.

Prediction: Ecuador to win @ 2.5

Netherlands v Qatar

Kick-off: 3pm Tuesday

The Netherlands are on the brink of booking their spot in the last 16 - a draw against the host nation would be enough to secure their progression. However, they have not been at all convincing so far. Two late goals saw them past Senegal in an even encounter on matchday one, before being outplayed by Ecuador in a 1-1 draw.

The Dutch took the lead early in that game but subsequently created very little of note, and managed just one more shot on goal before the final whistle. The Netherlands had 55% possession but never really got into a passing rhythm, a development that will worry Louis van Gaal ahead of the knockout phase.

But it is difficult to envisage Qatar causing the three-time World Cup runners-up too many problems. The hosts have been outclassed in both of their outings to date and a similarly one-sided match is on the cards here.

Back Cody Gakpo, who has two goals in two games and played in a more advanced role against Ecuador, to find the net.

Prediction: Cody Gakpo to score anytime @ 2.1

Iran v USA

Kick-off: 7pm Tuesday

The USA have played well in three of the four halves they have contested so far at this World Cup, but anything less than a win here would send them out.

Gregg Berhalter’s side arguably should have beaten England last time out. The USA were stronger in every area of the pitch and created the better chances on the night. It was a performance with plenty of positives, yet the Stars and Stripes are outside the top two in Group B heading into this decisive encounter.

Iran bounced back from a 6-2 thrashing by England in impressive fashion against Wales. They left it late to find the back of the net – both of their goals came deep into second-half stoppage time – but there was no doubt that Team Melli were worthy winners. Bolder and more aggressive than against England, Iran got their just rewards shortly before the final whistle.

With the stakes so high, this will probably be a cagey affair. A draw would be enough for Iran as long as Wales fail to beat England, so Carlos Queiroz may set his team up cautiously.  

Prediction: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.8

Tuesday World Cup 2022 Predictions

Ecuador v Senegal: Ecuador to win @ 2.5
Netherlands v Qatar: Cody Gakpo to score anytime @ 2.1
Iran v USA: Under 2.5 goals @ 1.8