Host nation Qatar became the first World Cup host in history to lose their opening game of the tournament on Sunday, crashing to a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador as the football showpiece kicked off.
Two first-half goals from veteran striker Enner Valencia sealed a deserved Group A victory for Ecuador as Qatar’s first-ever World Cup finals match ended in disappointment.
Qatari fans began filing out of the Al Bayt Stadium long before the final whistle after a dominant display from the Ecuadorans.
The opening game of the first World Cup staged in the Arab world took place at the Bedouin tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside of Doha.
In about 17 minutes after the commencement of the match, Ecuador scored Qatar 1-0 through penalty.
Ecuador had earlier scored Qatar about five minutes after the match began, but was flagged as offside. CONTINUE READING…
