Qatar 0 Ecuador 2: Hosts downed by Enner Valencia double as horror first 45 minutes silences half-empty Al Bayt Stadium

By On Nov 20, 2022

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HOSTS Qatar were humbled in their World Cup opener as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 win in Doha.

The South Americans thought it had taken them just three minutes to break the deadlock when former West Ham man Enner Valencia headed home – only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR for a marginal offside.

Valencia was brought down for a penalty after a quarter of an hourCredit: EPA

He coolly slotted the spot kick into the bottom corner to give Ecuador the leadCredit: Getty

The players celebrated in unison as Ecuador cruised in frontCredit: Getty

Valencia doubled Ecuador's advantage with a superb 31st minute header — Valencia doubled Ecuador’s advantage with a superb 31st minute headerCredit: Getty

The former West Ham man was the star of the show in the World Cup openerCredit: Getty

But just 13 minutes later Ecuador did go in front when Valencia was hauled down by keeper Saad Al-Sheeb and referee Daniele Orsato pointed to the spot.

Valencia stepped up to roll the ball in for the first goal of the 2022 World Cup.

And he helped himself to a second on the half hour mark when a wicked cross from Angelo Preciado was brilliantly met by Valencia who headed it down into the bottom corner.

Ecuador looked comfortable after the break as they controlled the game to make Qatar the first ever World Cup hosts to lose their opening match.

More to follow.