Enner Valencia stars as Ecuador beat Qatar in World Cup 2022 opener

Dhaka
November 21, 2022, 12:34 AM
by Nusayer Andalib

UNB News
Dhaka
Publish- November 21, 2022, 12:34 AM
Nusayer Andalib
Update- November 21, 2022, 12:46 AM

Enner Valencia stars as Ecuador beat Qatar in World Cup 2022 opener

Ecuador's Enner Valencia scores his side's first goal on a penalty kick during the the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor ,Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. Photo: AP

Ecuador outclassed and outplayed Qatar in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2022. In the process, Qatar became the first host nation to lose its opening match ever.

Ecuador 2 - 0 Qatar

Ecuador started in fairytale fashion as captain and record goalscorer Enner Valencia gave them the lead from the penalty spot in the 16th minute. La Tricolour doubled their lead in the 31st minute when Valencia's header beat Qatari goalkeeper Saad AlSheeb.

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Qatar looked better in the second half as Felix Sanchez's men created a few goal-scoring opportunities, but in the end, they were not able to break down the "Yellow wall"

Aftermath

Ecuador are now unbeaten in their last 8 games and haven't conceded a goal in their last 7 games. With 3 points, Ecuador stand at the top of Group A, while Qatar are at the bottom.

Enner Valencia and his teammates celebrate after opening the scoring for Ecuador in the World Cup 2022 opener against Qatar on Sunday (November 20)

Key Performances

Enner Valencia : His first goal was disallowed due to offside, but his subsequent brace was more than enough for Ecuador to overpower Qatar.

Moises Caicedo: Together with Sebas Mendez, he commanded the midfield. He didn't let the Qatari contingent gain any control in the middle of the park.

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Angelo Presciado: He provided the assist for Enner Valencia's second goal and looked a constant threat down the right flank.

Pervis Estupinan: He created huge overloads on the left side of the pitch and was highly unlikely not to get an assist for his deliveries.