Al Khor, 21 November 2022 (TDI): Ecuador won its first match of FIFA World Cup 2022 against Qatar, on November 20 at Al-Bayt Stadium. This was the first and opening match of the World Cup, after a massive celebration by the host country, Qatar.
Both teams belonged to group A of the tournament. There are two other teams in the group; Netherlands and Senegal. The top two teams of every group would qualify for the knockout round.
The victory of Ecuador made it to secure the top position on the points table. Qatar is hosting the 2022 FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) World Cup.
There are 32 participating teams in the tournament which officially commenced on November 20 and will end on December 18.
Highlights
Ecuador won the game 2-0 against Qatar in front of 67,372 fans present in the Al-Bayt stadium. Enner Valencia scored both goals for Ecuador as he led the attack.
Valencia is also the captain of Ecuador’s football team; he was in impressive form during the match. Both goals were scored in the first half of the match.
The first goal was scored in the 16th minute as a penalty strike. While the second goal was a brilliant header in 31 minutes.
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During the second half of the match, no goal could be scored by both teams. Qatar was prevented to score a goal by its opposition.
The team could not gain momentum and tempo in the other half of the match due to the massive pressure from the first half of the game.
Ecuador swiftly stopped Qatar from scoring a single goal in the second half as well. This brilliant performance from the South American team led straight to its victory in its first match.
Qatar after its defeat has also become the first world cup host country to lose the opening match in 92 years.
