The national team of Ecuador won Group A of the 2022 World Cup, on Sunday, November 20, 2022 in Al Bayt Stadium. This game between Qatar and Ecuador ended with a score of 0–2.
Both teams immediately appeared pressing since the early minutes. Ecuador seemed to dominate the game and the results could be seen in the second minute. They could score goals from Enner Valencia’s action. Unfortunately, the referee canceled the goal after seeing the replay because it was considered offside.
Ecuador continued to pressure Qatar’s defense line. Again, the captain of the Ecuador national team, Valencia, performed well in front of Qatar defense. However, his solo action was stopped by goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb who made him fall in the penalty area.
Valencia managed to convert a penalty kick into his first goal at the 2022 World Cup. The position changed to 1-0 for Ecuador.
In the second half, Qatar had made several chances in the visiting team’s defense, but nothing made Ecuador unsteady under the guard of goalkeeper Dominguez. The Qatar national team couldn’t avoid conceding. Their goal was not made in the 16th and 31st minute by the same player, Enner Valencia. Against Qatar, Valencia scored twice, the first coming on a penalty kick and the second off a header.
In contrast, Ecuador could create opportunities in the second half. There were at least three opportunities to make goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb falter. (Ambien) However, the 2-0 score for Ecuador’s lead still lasted until the 80th minute.
Previously, the Qatar national team had played three times in a stadium with a capacity of 60,000 spectators and always won with a total score of 9-0. In that period, the Qatar national team conquered the United Arab Emirates (5-0), Iraq (3-0) and Bahrain (1-0).
The Qatar national team is now in fourth place in the 2022 World Cup Group A standings without points. Qatar’s loss in this year’s World Cup marks the first World Cup host to lose in Opening Match after 92 years.
Meanwhile, the Senegal vs Netherlands duel will only take place on Monday night, November 21, 2022.
