(Al Khawr) Enner Valencia scored the first two goals of the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup and they led Ecuador to a 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar in of the very first game of the tournament on Sunday.
Largely outplayed in front of a crowd of 67,372 at Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar became the first host country to lose the opening game in 92 years at the biggest fixture in world soccer.
The Ecuador captain first converted a penalty shot during the 16e minute of play.
Valencia, who got the chance after Qatari goalkeeper Saad Alsheeb tripped him in the penalty area, celebrated for the first time when he rattled the ropes during the third minute of the Group A duel .
PHOTO KAI PFAFFENBACH, REUTERS
The stands of Qatar supporters emptied during the match.
However, following a two-minute video assistant referee review, the goal was disallowed because the footage was offside.
Valencia doubled Ecuador’s lead when they hit the target during the 31e minute of play.
Valencia gave way to Jhon Cifuente during the 77e minute of play.