2022 World Cup: Ecuador defeats host team Qatar 2-0 in opener

Ecuador defeated Qatar 2-0 in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup, marking the first time in the tournament’s history that the hosting team lost the opener.

After the game started, Ecuador forward Enner Valencia made a close-range header. The VAR, however, called Valencia’s move an offside. Valencia then approached the goal again from short range. Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb attempted to block Valencia, but the forward managed to score a spot-kick.

Before half-time, Valencia scored another goal via a header, allowing Ecuador to lead the game with a two-score difference. When the game resumed, Qatar substituted captain Hassan Al Haydos and Almoez Ali with 20 minutes left.

The stadium went silent after Ecuador scored its second goal. Some Qatari fans left their seats during half-time and did not return for the remainder of the game.

Qatar coach Félix Sánchez said what his team had displayed in the game was “far” from its best performance. He maintained the Qatari team needed to recover for the next matchup. Sánchez said he expected the team to “perform better” to make fans proud in the next games.

Qatar is scheduled to face Africa Cup of Nations winner Senegal on Friday, then the Netherlands next week to conclude the Group A stage. Analysts believe the two contenders will not be “easier” opponents for the team.

The kick-off was held at Al Bayt Stadium, with an opening ceremony featuring Morgan Freeman and Ghanim Al Muftah, as well as K-Pop star Jungkook, who performed a song specially written for the event.

Although past World Cup hosts typically held the event in the summer, Qatar hosts this year’s World Cup in the winter due to its hot climate.

Qatar is under international scrutiny regarding the preparation for the World Cup. There are reports of poor treatment of migrant workers hired to build stadiums for the event. The country’s treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people also draws protests from people worldwide.