Ecuador Beats Qatar 2-0 In World Cup Opener

Ecuador kicked off the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 2-0 victory against hosts Qatar, courtesy of a double from Enner Valencia, at the Al Bayt Stadium.

After an entertaining opening ceremony, which featured Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman and South Korean musician Jung Kook, FIFA president Gianni Infantino declared, “let the show begin”.

Early in the game, Ecuador put the ball into the net but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Moments later, Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al-Sheeb fouled Ecuador captain Valencia in the box and a penalty was awarded. Valencia stepped up and fired the ball into the net to score the opening goal at the FIFA World Cup.

The South Americans continued to dominate the match in the first half and were rewarded in the 31st minute after a brilliant piece of play.

Valencia scored his second of the tournament with a brilliant headed goal to extend Ecuador’s lead.

In the second half, Ecuador took its foot off the gas, but Qatar failed to find its way back into the game. What the hosts lacked in attack they made up for with a spirited second-half defensive performance, which prevented Ecuador from scoring more goals.

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However, the match finished with Ecuador claiming a 2-0 victory, assuring a seventh consecutive clean sheet to move top of Group A.

⏱ Ecuador take the points in our first game at #Qatar2022! @adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022

Qatar became the first host nation to lose the opening game of a World Cup as Ecuador kicked off the tournament with a dominant 2-0 victory thanks to Enner Valencia’s double.

Ecuador are now the early leaders in Group A, with Qatar dropping to the bottom. Senegal and Netherlands will face each other on Monday.

Ecuador face Netherlands in their second group game on Friday, November 25th, while Qatar host Senegal on the same day.

Chidi Nwoke/FIFA.