Valencia double help Ecuador beat hosts Qatar in opening match of World Cup

DOHA: Two goals from captain Enner Valencia powered Ecuador to a two nil victory against hosts Qatar in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khol.

Valencia scored a goal inside the first three minutes, but VAR came to Qatar's rescue as the goal was ruled out. However, in the 16th minute he got on the scoresheet by scoring a penalty awarded to Ecuador for Qatar's foul inside the box. In the 31st minute, he scored again with a well timed header from Angelo Preciado's cross.

Qatar never looked threatening in attack and Ecuador effortlessly managed the rest of the game without any trouble to secure three point.

Next up, England will face Iran on Monday in their first World Cup match.