World Cup: Ecuador Edge Hosts Qatar 2- 0 In Curtain Raiser

Enner Valencia scored a first half brace as Ecuador opened the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over Qatar, the hosts, at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday.

Qatar, playing their first-ever World Cup match, endured a jittery first half and conceded in the third minute following poor play from their goalkeeper but the video assistant referee (VAR) saved the hosts by ruling Valencia’s header offside.

Ecuador would eventually take the lead in the 16th minute through Valencia who was brought down by Al-Sheeb and the veteran striker dusted himself up to dispatch the spot-kick with aplomb.

The 35-year-old completed his brace with a well-executed downward header into the bottom far post half an hour into the game.

The second half was a more balanced affair but neither side added to the scoreboard as Ecuador, who have not conceded a goal since March 2022, claimed their fourth-ever World Cup win.

Qatar, after the defeat, became the first World Cup hosts to lose the opening match.

Ecuador will face the Netherlands next in Group A, while Qatar will meet Senegal on November 25 at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.