Latest News

Qatar Becomes 1st Hosts To Lose World Cup Opening Match After 0-2 Ecuador Defeat

Hosts Qatar Goes Down 0-2 To Ecuador In 2022 World Cup Opening Match

The 2022 World Cup kicked off in Qatar after a grand opening ceremony, but the hosts suffered a 0-2 defeat to Ecuador in their Group A opening match.

Two goals from Ecuador striker Enner Valencia sealed Qatar’s defeat, making it the first time a World Cup host has lost its opening game.

Qatar loses 0-2 to Ecuador in 2022 World Cup opening match

The game, which was played at 12am Singapore time, began with a quick goal in the second minute from a set piece by Valencia, who’d slipped away from his marker. However, VAR ruled it out for offside.

But Ecuador would soon get their goal in the 14th minute after Valencia won a penalty, following a clumsy outstretched hand from Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.

Qatar’s night was then summed up when Valencia again headed home from a set piece in the 30th minute, again after losing his marker.

Source: FIFA

It was a poor first-half performance from the Qatar goalkeeper and defence — not what the hosts would have wanted after 12 years of preparation.

Qatar faces uphill challenge to qualify from group

Qatar will next face Senegal in their Group A match on Friday (25 Nov) at 9pm, while Ecuador takes on the Netherlands right after, on Saturday (26 Nov) at 12am.

With the win, Ecuador is in pole position to qualify for the playoffs, while Qatar needs wins against teams that are better on paper.

Senegal recently won the African Cup of Nations in February, and the Netherlands, managed by 71-year-old Louis van Gaal, will be determined to get points as their group contains no other European nations.

It’ll be tough, but the ball is round, and anything can happen at a World Cup.

 

Catch the highlights on the FIFA website here.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from FIFA.

Jonathan Yee

Jonathan is a bedroom headbanger. His Kobo is never far from him.

Recent Posts

Pilot treats passengers to pizzas after emergency landing causes hours-long delay in the US

He made sure all the passengers were served before taking a slice for himself.

22 Nov 2024, 6:32 pm

Woman in China grows ‘trident’ flesh on fingernail, apparently due to improper & frequent manicures

The doctor recommended a 2-week gap between manicures to allow nails to recover.

22 Nov 2024, 6:08 pm

Loyal pet dog in China tracks owner’s scent for 16km to reunite with her in hospital

The dog stayed with its owner until she was discharged.

22 Nov 2024, 6:04 pm

Newborn piglet falls off truck in Thailand, still had umbilical cord attached

Following the incident, netizens felt compelled to reconsider pork consumption.

22 Nov 2024, 5:25 pm

Dog guards 81-year-old owner’s body after she falls into pond & dies in Thailand

The dog, Taohu, was inseparable from its owner, who raised it from puppyhood.

22 Nov 2024, 5:09 pm