Enner Valencia scored a brace for Ecuador as they beat hosts Qatar 2-0 in the group A match of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Qatar have been in camp for six months planning and perfecting tactics, but they looked nervous in front of the home fans and a more composed Ecuador took control of the game from the start.
The hosts survived an early goal scare after Valencia’s header was ruled out by video assistant referee. But the Ecuadorians never stopped coming back. Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb brought down Valencia in the box and the former West Ham of England player scored the first goal of the 2022 world soccer fiesta.
Just before the break Valencia got his head on a cross to score his second goal. It wasn’t the outcome the fans at the Al Bayat Stadium wanted.
In the second half Qatar defended deep to keep down the scores. Much to their relief, Valencia did not continue the match after he received a knock. But he was happy to be on scoresheet. He has scored all of Ecuador’s five goals ever scores at the FIFA World Cup.
Senegal and the Netherlands will play the group next match on Monday by 5.pm.
