Ecuador’s coast beat hosts Qatar in World Cup opening match | Football news
Ecuador’s all-time leading scorer, nicknamed “Superman” at home, scored an early penalty and added a precise header in the 31st minute to give South America the lead. early in the first half when the Qataris looked defeated by the tension .
It could have been even worse for the hosts in front of 67,372 spectators at the tent-shaped Al Bayt stadium as Valencia, 33, missed a header in the third minute for offside on the back line. when goalkeeper Saad Alsheeb saved the ball.
⏱ Ecuador takes the points in our first match at #Qatar2022! @adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
– Football World Championship (@FIFAWorldCup) 1668967184000
It was Alsheeb who then tripped Valencia as he crossed goal and then plunged down the wrong path when the Ecuadorian chilled out a 16th-minute penalty.
In the second, Valencia was unchallenged but still showed great technique as he stooped to meet Angelo Preciado’s pass almost from behind to head Alsheeb’s net once more.
That goal killed the Group A match like a competition and the second half was slow, with many Qataris walking away before it was over as Ecuador fans chanted “Ole!”
Despite an enviable length of time bonding and training together, including summer camps in Europe, Qatar looks almost toothless. Almoez Ali had his best chance late in the first half, heading off the post but then being flagged for offside.
Mohammed Muntari also opened fire in the dying minutes.
Both sides now face Senegal and the Netherlands in the group stage, with Qatar’s chances of scoring or qualifying looking slim with this performance.
Ecuador is dreaming of surpassing their best record at the previous World Cup, reaching the round of 16 in 2006.