World Cup 2022 kicks off: Ecuador 2-0 Qatar – Hosts defeated by Valencia brace

Ecuador were able to pick up the win in the first game of the 2022 World Cup, defeating hosts Qatar 2-0. Qatar have become the only host country to lose the opening game of the World Cup. 

Enner Valencia, the captain of the winning team, scored twice to help his side pick up all three points. It could have been three goals to their name, considering the first goal was ruled out due to offside. 

Ecuador defeat Qatar 2-0 in opening World Cup match 

We got to see the semi-automated offside decision making system in the very first goal. The referees were unable to spot the marginal offside in real time, but VAR was able to make the correct call which helped rule out the opener. 

However, a penalty conceded shortly after helped Valencia score as he calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. The forward doubled Ecuador’s lead with a powerful header shortly after the half-hour mark. 

The hosts never really threatened their opponents’ goal during the match. And as a result, they have started out on the wrong foot. It will only get more difficult for them now, with matches against Senegal and Netherlands to follow. 

There was a brief scare for Valencia in terms of getting injured, and it is something that we could see much more of this World Cup – with the packed schedule resulting in more injuries for players.