World Cup 2022: Qatar crash on opening night as La Tri make a fine start
67
Sport News Africa · Author profile ·
Listen to this story
Audio version in preparation · read aloud by your browser meanwhile
A historic night! Twenty years after the World Cup co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, Asia welcomes the elite of world football for the 25th edition of the World Cup. As hosts, Qatar put on a real show of strength for the opening ceremony, with a grand spectacle of sound and light. The organisers were up to the task, but the same cannot be said of the team playing the first match of their World Cup history.
Also read: World Cup 2022: full schedule and results
Qatar never troubled Ecuador in this match. They were simply outclassed by La Tri and their experienced striker Enner Valencia. The 33-year-old, after seeing his first goal ruled out for a dubious offside, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute. He added a second in the 31st minute. That double gives Ecuador a precious 2-0 win, as nothing was scored in the second half.
In Group A, Senegal and the Netherlands meet tomorrow at 16:00. On matchday two on Friday, Qatar face the Lions of Teranga, while Ecuador take on the Dutch.
https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1594390048157343745?s=20&t=MSG0avpeq1cSawsqgsTLCg