Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between the Netherlands and Ecuador. The World Cup tune-up scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET will be held at the Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam and be live streamed here free.
With the World Cup less than a month away, Dutch manager Louis van Gaal is working with an experimental approach ahead of today's friendly with Ecuador. Rather than opt for the 4-3-3 synonymous with his tenure, van Gaal will adopt an old-school 5-3-2 Dutch system (h/t to the Toronto Sun). "I have three reasons to change the system: The injury to Strootman, the fact we don't have enough quality left backs and because I want to play with a minimum of three creative players at the World Cup," he told a news conference at the team's Hoenderloo training camp.
"It is a system in which the players can show their strength. It is old school Dutch style. I had a word with my captains Van Persie and Robben about it first and they were both enthusiastic," he added.
"We could always go back to 4-3-3; that's not too difficult, even during a match."
Will Louis van Gaal's experimentation work in this afternoon's friendly against Ecuador? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Plying his trade in Ecuador's first division, Emelec center-back Jorge Guagua remains a staple in the national team fold. The 32-year-old has 56 caps for his country since 2001, and with a 5'10" frame, will serve as the defensive force against Holland's potent attack.
Netherland's Projected Lineup (5-3-2): Cillessen; Kongolo, Martins Indi, De Vrij, Veltman, Janmaat; Clasie, Blind, Wijnaldum; Depay, Van Persie
Ecuador's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Bone, Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, Bagui; Rojas, Quiñonez, Saritama, Valencia; Montero, Caicedo
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