The 2022 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, with Qatar beginning their campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Ecuador.
Ecuador striker Enner Valencia stole the show, scoring twice to propel Ecuador to the top of Group A.
Valencia’s close-range header was ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee early in the game, but the South Americans broke the deadlock soon after.
Qatar’s erratic goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb brought Valencia down in the box, and the ex-West Ham striker converted the penalty.
Valencia scored another header before halftime, leaving the Al Bayt Stadium deafeningly quiet at the break.
Ecuador has taken the early lead in Group A, with Qatar filling in behind Senegal and the Netherlands, who play their first match in the 2022 World Cup today, Monday, November 21.