FIFA World Cup 2022: Enner Valencia’s brace guides Ecuador to 2-0 win over hosts Qatar in opening match

Enner Valencia’s brace helped Ecuador to kick off their FIFA World Cup 2022 with a 2-0 win over the hosts Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Sunday, November 20.

While Qatar became just the only third team after Uruguay (1930) and Italy (1934) to play their first-ever World Cup match as hosts, the Middle East team became the first host nation to lose the opening game in the history of the tournament.

Qatar were outplayed by Ecuador in the first-half, which saw Valencia scoring thrice but the first of the three was ruled out following a VAR check. Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb made a mistake, coming out to punch the ball but missed it and giving Ecuador a golden chance to take an early lead.

Valencia scored with a header but his team’s celebrations short-lived as the goal was ruled offside before the assist to Valencia was made by Felix Torres. The replays confirmed that Ecuador’s Michael Estrada was narrowly offside when the ball was lofted into the penalty area, with his foot just beyond the last man.

The Qatari custodian’s night turned into a nightmare as Ecuador opened its account off a lovely penalty in the 16th minute. Saad Al Sheeb brought down Valencia, which was a clear penalty, and the Ecuador skipper netted the ball into the bottom-right corner beautifully.

The World Cup 2022 became the first ever World Cup to see the first goal of the tournament to be scored from the penalty spot. Ecuador maintained their complete control over the hosts as Valencia doubled the lead in the 31st minute with a storming header before going into half-time at 2-0.

Ecuador carried their momentum in the second half, controlling the proceedings of the match and giving no room to Qatar to make a comeback.

The hosts showed some urgency, with Ghana-born Qatar substitute Mohammed Muntari’s half-volley narrowly over the crossbar. While Ecuador had a memorable night, Qatar had a night to forget. Qatar will next play Senegal, whereas Ecuador will take on the Netherlands on November 25.