Hosts Qatar kicked off the tournament with a clash against Ecuador on Sunday afternoon.
Despite being the hosts, Qatar were not expected to make it out of their group.
But if they wanted to stand any chance of doing so, they needed to pick up a win against Ecuador, who are arguably their easiest test.
But when all was said and done, Qatar fell to defeat.
Ecuador thought they had took the lead within three minutes. Qatar’s goalkeeper left his line and then missed the ball, allowing Enner Valencia to fire into an open net.
However, VAR ruled the goal out for a reason nobody could really work out.
After the opener, Ecuador continued to dominate possession whilst limiting Qatar’s attacking threat.
Valencia then added a second 31 minutes in with a sensational header.
Enner Valencia at the double!
What a header that is! 🔥#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/K0veh1avAJ
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 20, 2022
The first 45 drew to a close with Ecuador 2-0 up and in full control of the match.
Ecuador were then fairly happy to take their foot off the gas somewhat in the second 45, still controlling the game but not creating as much.
📰 Table Of Contents
Qatar player ratings
Saad Al Sheeb (2) – Poor judgment when running for a cross, nearly allowing Ecuador to take an early lead before the bizarre VAR call. He then gave away a penalty 14 minutes in.
Bassam Al Rawi (3) – His passing was very poor and he failed to win a single ground duel.
Boualem Khoukhi (3) – Was poor in the air and gave away the ball on a number of occasions.
Abdelkarim Hassan (5) – Was Qatar’s best player in terms of dealing with Ecuador’s aerial threat.
Pedro Miguel (3) – Left Valencia unmarked for his second goal of the game.
Karim Boudiaf (3) – Was completely dominated in midfield, failing to win a ground duel and losing possession a lot.
Abdulaziz Hatem (4) – Ended the game with a woeful passing percentage.
Homam Ahmed (4) – Was ok defensively but had little impact going forward.
Hassan Al-Haydos (4) – Did not see enough of the ball to create much on the attacking front.
Almoez Ali (4) -Tried to create a few chances himself but struggled for any sort of service from his teammates.
Akram Afif (3) – Did not have a shot on target all game.
Substitutes
Mohammed Muntari (3)
Mohammed Al Bayati (3)
Ecuador player ratings
Hernán Galíndez (5) – Was not tested all match.
Ángelo Preciado (7) – Like Estupinan on the opposite flank, Precidado got forward a lot to help out in attack whilst also putting in a solid defensive shift, including setting up the second goal.
Félix Torres (6) – Dealt with the little attacking threat Qatar could muster up well.
Piero Hincapié (6) – Like Torres, Hincapie did not have much to do but dealt with what he had too well.
Pervis Estupiñán (6.5) – Caused Qatar problems all match with a number of impressive attacking runs from deep.
Gonzalo Plata (5) – Crossing was poor but he did track back and help out defensively.
Sebas Méndez (6) – Helped Ecoudor control the game from midfield, completing 94 per cent of his passes.
Moisés Caicedo (6) – Dominated midfield, linking defence and attack well.
Romario Ibarra (4.5) – Failed to offer much of an attacking threat before being subbed off.
Enner Valencia (9) – Good finish early on but VAR ruled it out. Scored a penalty 14 minutes in and added a second 15 minutes later with a great header.
Michael Estrada (6) – Was not as dominant as his strike partner but still threatened the Qatar goal on a few occasions.
Substitutes
Jeremy Sarmiento (5)
José Cifuentes (N/A)
Alan Franco (N/A)
José Cifuentes (4)
Kevin Rodriguez (N/A)
Fan reaction
#FIFAWorldCup did Qatar just buy an offside ruling. Because it was no where near offside
— AndyMe (@andyhallme) November 20, 2022
3 – Qatar are set to become just the third team to play their first ever #FIFAWorldCup match while hosting the tournament, after Uruguay in 1930 and Italy in 1934. Opening.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 20, 2022
Enner Valencia becomes Ecuador’s all-time leading World Cup goal scorer with 4 goals.
Clinical from the spot. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/TFVvhBqJbf
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 20, 2022
VAR going with Qatar – what a shock.
This World Cup stinks already…
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) November 20, 2022
Christ, if that’s offside then there’s no point watching any of this. #QatarWorldCup2022 #QATECU
— Dan Bardell (@danbardell) November 20, 2022
Magnificent header by Enner Valencia puts Ecuador 2-0 up. Ecuador playing really well. The bank of fans resplendent in yellow at the other end loving it.
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) November 20, 2022
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2022 World Cup: 101 best & funniest FIFA World Cup Fantasy team names
