Qatar became the only host nation in World Cup history to lose the opening game, falling 2-0 to Ecuador on Sunday at Al Bayt Stadium.
The Maroons’ inexperience and lack of quality shone early in the game, with Enner Valencia scoring in less than three minutes. A goal that was later overturned due to offside.
Valencia, Ecuador’s captain, won a penalty 13 minutes later after being brought down by goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb and slotted in beautifully for the opener.
The South Americans increased their lead after 31 minutes. Valencia once more.
In the 31st minute, the Fenerbahçe forward headed in the second from Angelo Preciado’s precise lofted pass into the box.
The first half ended with Ecuador leading 2-0.
Ecuador appeared to ease off the gas a little in the second half, with Qatar also having some good spells in the game.
Ecuador now leads Group A by three points, with Senegal and the Netherlands meeting tomorrow.
