Qatar 0-2 Ecuador: Valencia score twice as hosts start on a losing note
Enner Valencia scored a brace on Sunday as Ecuador got off to a flying start with a 2-0 win over Qatar in the 2022 World Cup opener at Al Bayt Stadium.
Valencia could have gotten a hat trick to their name, but their earlier effort was flagged for offside after being checked by VAR.
The Ecuadorian captain was nonetheless on hand to score two goals that broke the hearts of the hosts, but put the South American side on the right track to qualify from Group A.
Valencia, who is Ecuador's all-time top scorer, showcased his experience when he gave his side a deserved lead from the penalty spot after 16 minutes, before following up their effort to 12 meters with a bright head shortly after the half hour mark.
Qatar, playing a World Cup match for the first time, had a few moments to their own, but the Asian nation were completely outclassed for long stretches of the Group A game in Al Khor.
>Preparation for the tournament in Qatar has been beset by controversy with allegations of match-fixing also being made on the eve of kick-off.
Qatar had barely settled into the game when Valencia looked to have given Ecuador the lead in the third minute with a close-range header.
However, the referee had to consult VAR to decide there had been an offside in the build-up, leaving fans and viewers somewhat stunned.
Despite the early setback, Ecuador looked more like the team that scored the opening goal with their best play and indeed they had their noses ahead in the 16th minute.
Qatari goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb fired at Valencia as he tried to pass the ball past him and a penalty was deservedly awarded.
Valencia got up to send the ball past the Qatar goalkeeper who received a warning for the foul.
The goal, according to Opta, is the first World Cup opener to be scored via a penalty
Valencia doubled their side's advantage after a wonderful cross from the right from Angelo Preciado found it in the right place and he headed a precise header into the bottom corner of Al Sheeb's net at from 12 meters.
Although Qatar had a few moments to their own, they couldn't break Ecuador's resolute defense which was impregnable in over 11 hours of football,
However, with 15 minutes remaining, Ecuador were dealt a blow when Valencia were forced off the pitch, having suffered what appeared to be a knee problem during the first half.
Qatar and Ecuador will be back in action on Friday with the hosts against Senegal while the latter has a date with the Netherlands.
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Enner Valencia scored a brace on Sunday as Ecuador got off to a flying start with a 2-0 win over Qatar in the 2022 World Cup opener at Al Bayt Stadium.
Valencia could have gotten a hat trick to their name, but their earlier effort was flagged for offside after being checked by VAR.
The Ecuadorian captain was nonetheless on hand to score two goals that broke the hearts of the hosts, but put the South American side on the right track to qualify from Group A.
Valencia, who is Ecuador's all-time top scorer, showcased his experience when he gave his side a deserved lead from the penalty spot after 16 minutes, before following up their effort to 12 meters with a bright head shortly after the half hour mark.
Qatar, playing a World Cup match for the first time, had a few moments to their own, but the Asian nation were completely outclassed for long stretches of the Group A game in Al Khor.
>Preparation for the tournament in Qatar has been beset by controversy with allegations of match-fixing also being made on the eve of kick-off.
Qatar had barely settled into the game when Valencia looked to have given Ecuador the lead in the third minute with a close-range header.
However, the referee had to consult VAR to decide there had been an offside in the build-up, leaving fans and viewers somewhat stunned.
Despite the early setback, Ecuador looked more like the team that scored the opening goal with their best play and indeed they had their noses ahead in the 16th minute.
Qatari goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb fired at Valencia as he tried to pass the ball past him and a penalty was deservedly awarded.
Valencia got up to send the ball past the Qatar goalkeeper who received a warning for the foul.
The goal, according to Opta, is the first World Cup opener to be scored via a penalty
Valencia doubled their side's advantage after a wonderful cross from the right from Angelo Preciado found it in the right place and he headed a precise header into the bottom corner of Al Sheeb's net at from 12 meters.
Although Qatar had a few moments to their own, they couldn't break Ecuador's resolute defense which was impregnable in over 11 hours of football,
However, with 15 minutes remaining, Ecuador were dealt a blow when Valencia were forced off the pitch, having suffered what appeared to be a knee problem during the first half.
Qatar and Ecuador will be back in action on Friday with the hosts against Senegal while the latter has a date with the Netherlands.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +23480987...
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