x

World Cup Host Qatar Lose 2-0 To Ecuador In Opening Match Of Tournament

Qatar became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory over the hosts, with Enner Valencia scoring twice in the tournament curtain-raiser on Sunday.

Asian champions Qatar enjoyed the backing of the majority of the crowd at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium, but could not follow a glitzy opening ceremony with a statement performance.

Ecuador thought they had made a dream start when they silenced the home fans as Valencia headed in, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.

Valencia did break the deadlock with a penalty in the 16th minute and doubled his tally just after the half-hour mark.

Qatar improved slightly in the second period, but by the end of the 90 minutes, the excitement which greeted the build-up — featuring Morgan Freeman and BTS star Jung Kook — was a distant memory as thousands of fans left early amid a deflated atmosphere.

Felix Sanchez’s Qatar will likely need a positive result in their second Group A match against Senegal on Friday just to avoid the ignominy of becoming only the second hosts, after South Africa in 2010, to be dumped out in the first round.

Hopes were high among the crowd that Qatar could make a winning start, but the deficiencies of the World Cup debutants were ruthlessly exposed by an impressive Ecuador.

Qatar failed to even muster a shot on target in the game, with spectators filing out of the stands long before the final whistle.

In the 92-year history of the tournament, home countries had previously won 16 and drawn six of their opening matches.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Apreala Urges Bayelsa Queens to Finish Strong in NWFL Super Six

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaChairman Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala is rallying...

1000 Delegates Expected at NOGOF 2025

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaThe 5th Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity...

Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons Settle for 1-1 Draw in NWFL Super Six

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaBayelsa Queens and Nasarawa Amazons played out...

Deaconess Oborevwori launches Measles-Rubella vaccine campaign in Delta.

By Anne Azuka Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess...

Oborevwori: Delta safe for investment as Premium Trust Bank opens branch.

By Anne Azuka Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on...

Cholera outbreak kills four in Bokkos LGA, others hospitalized.

By Isreal Adamu, Jos A cholera outbreak has been reported...

Gov Mutfwang: Plateau on path to prosperity at World Bank event.

By  Isreal Adamu,Jos Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb  Mutfwang, was...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img