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The World Cup’s opening game is finally here, with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador at Al-Bayt Stadium.

The hosts being involved in the opening game is actually a very modern tradition, first introduced in 2006.

Since then, the four tournament openers have produced 17 goals, with the hosts recording three wins and a draw.

When these two teams last met, it was a friendly in 2018 which Qatar actually won 4-3.

So, perhaps one should expect goals in this one too.

Secondary tip of the day

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Qatar are big underdogs to kick off their campaign with a win, but 11/5 looks like a very appealing price.

This isn’t to write off Ecuador at all, as el Tri are very a solid side, finishing above Peru, Chile and Colombia in qualifying.

But, with extensive preparation and home advantage on their side, Qatar could spring a surprise in this opener.

Goalscorer tip of the day

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If the Maroons are going to cause a shock, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali are likely to be key to their success.

Afif is their creative hub while Ali, who has 42 international goals to his name, is their main marksman.

The 26 year old scored nine times at the 2019 Asian Cup, including the opener in the final victory over Japan.

Later that year, he was Qatar’s only goal scorer at the Copa América, netting in the comeback draw against Paraguay.

Then, last year, Ali was top-scorer at the CONCACAF Gold Cup with four, also netting three times at the FIFA Arab Cup.

So, if the Al-Duhail striker does net at the World Cup, he’ll become the first player ever to score at five different major international competitions.