Enner Valencia was the hero as Ecuador beat hosts Qatar 2-0 in the opening match of the 22nd FIFA World Cup.
Ecuador downed the hosts 2-0 in their Qatar 2022 opener
Enner Valencia got both goals in the first half
Senegal and the Netherlands will play Group A's second game tomorrow
Qatar 0-2 Ecuador
Goals: Valencia (16, 31)
Ecuador beat Qatar 2-0 to get off to a great start in Group A of this FIFA World Cup, and Enner Valencia was the hero. The 33-year-old came back by winning and scoring a penalty and then doubled the advantage with a powerful header after having an early goal disallowed for offside by VAR.
With the help of their amazing fans, Qatar made every effort to get back into the game. After fantastic work from Hassan Alhaydos, Almoez Ali, who is often dependable, squandered a golden opportunity to score with a header from six yards out.
Saad Alsheeb tripped Valencia as he rushed toward goal. The Fenerbahce striker got up after falling and used the penalty kick to fool the goalkeeper. It was a true nerve-testing performance on the grandest stages.
Quotes
The stat
Ecuador's last five World Cup goals have all been scored by Valencia. He has surpassed Agustin Delgado to become their all-time leading shooter at the world championship.
He is Ecuador's all-time leading scorer, but he is also struggling and has occasionally faced suspicion there. He is very happy that he was able to score.
Enner Valencia: Gustavo Alfaro
There is much space for improvement. No justifications necessary; we got off to a horrible start; nervousness and responsibilities got the better of us.
Fernando Sanchez
Player of the Match
Enner Valencia
"When I came out to warm up and saw how many Ecuadorians were there to support us, I felt a great emotion”.
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022
🇪🇨 13,000 miles from home, Ecuador fans brought the party to the FIFA World Cup right from the start.@budweiser @budfootball #YoursToTake #BudweiserWorldCup #POTM pic.twitter.com/EF7l4Y1Yfq
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