FIFA Opens, Host Qatar Lost to Ecuador

Hosts Qatar off to losing start after Enner Valencia double for Ecuador

The long wait is finally over. The first of the 64 matches have ended on Sunday with Ecuador triumphing 2-0 over host, Qatar. Both the goals were scored by the Ecuador forward Enner Valencia's penalty kick and header (in 16th min and 32nd min respectively) helped Ecuador see off Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2022's opening-day match.

In the first half, Ecuador threatened to score even more goals, but in the second half they seemed content to sit back a little, which allowed Qatar the necessary latitude to get themselves back into the contest.   

For Qatar, this was a letdown 12 years in the making. The host nation has spent that time building the infrastructure of a World Cup shrouded in controversy and replete with a bitter taste that, whatever the next four weeks bring, is unlikely ever to be washed away.

No other outcome seemed likely after the moment, three minutes in, when Enner Valencia thought he had silenced the party. The goal was eventually disallowed by VAR for the most borderline of offsides but Qatar’s defense, and especially their goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb, were clearly ripe to be picked off. 

That impression was quickly justified when Valencia, fouled by Sheeb, converted a penalty. His outstanding header after the half-hour removed any remaining edge and long before the end swathes of this vast, textured tent-like structure north of Doha had virtually emptied. The envisaged extravaganza had not materialised and it would take a vast improvement against Senegal on Friday to give Qatar any chance of progress. Ultimately this was a non-contest, a dissatisfying spectacle and, with due credit to a competent Ecuador, a poor reflection on what should be football’s showpiece.

There was visible frustration in the kick on Valencia for which Almoez Ali was cautioned. Valencia’s revenge was emphatic, finding space between two defenders and leaping thrillingly  to plant Angelo Preciado’s cross past Sheeb after persistence from Moises Caicedo. The former West Ham and Everton player, now 33, has still got it.

That was all in the game.