Valencia the hero as Ecuador down Qatar
FIFA

Valencia the hero as Ecuador down Qatar

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Qatar v Ecuador | Group A | FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | Highlights (No Commentary)Qatar v Ecuador | Group A | FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ | Highlights (No Commentary)
Watch the highlights from the Ecuador's 2-0 win over Qatar in the Opening Match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium.Watch the highlights from the Ecuador's 2-0 win over Qatar in the Opening Match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium.

Enner Valencia was the hero as Ecuador beat hosts Qatar 2-0 in the opening match of the 22nd FIFA World Cup.

  • Ecuador downed the hosts 2-0 in their Qatar 2022 opener

  • Enner Valencia got both goals in the first half

  • Senegal and the Netherlands will play Group A's second game tomorrow

Qatar 0-2 Ecuador Qatar 0-2 Ecuador

Goals: Valencia (16, 31) Enner Valencia was the hero as Ecuador beat Qatar 2-0 to make a flying start to their Group A campaign at this FIFA World Cup™. After the 33-year-old had an early goal ruled out for offside by VAR, he responded by winning and scoring a penalty and then doubling the advantage with a firm header. Qatar, roared on by their magnificent supporters, did their best to find a way back into the game. But the normally reliable Almoez Ali missed a gilt-edged chance – a header from six yards out – after excellent work from Hassan Alhaydos.

Key momentKey moment

Valencia raced through on goal and was tripped by Saad Alsheeb. The Fenerbahce striker picked himself up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot. It was a display of real nerve on the biggest of stages.

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Enner Valencia: Every FIFA World Cup™ goalEnner Valencia: Every FIFA World Cup™ goal
A look at all of Enner Valencia's goals for Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup™ following his opening-day brace against Qatar.A look at all of Enner Valencia's goals for Ecuador at the FIFA World Cup™ following his opening-day brace against Qatar.

The statThe stat

Valencia has scored Ecuador’s last five World Cup goals. He is now their outright record marksman at the global showpiece – a distinction he previously shared with Agustin Delgado.

QuotesQuotes

“He is the all-time top-scorer for Ecuador, he is going through tough times, he was questioned at times in Ecuador. He managed to score, which means a lot to him.“ Gustavo Alfaro on Enner Valencia

“We have a lot of room for improvement. No excuses, we started badly... nerves and responsibility have played a trick on us.” Feliz Sanchez

Player of the MatchPlayer of the Match

Enner Valencia