Ecuador beat host Qatar 2-0 in World Cup opener

Ecuador beat World Cup host Qatar 2-0 on Sunday in the tournament opening.

The opening game of the first World Cup staged in the Arab world took place at the Bedouin tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside of Doha.

At the start of the match in the stadium shaped like a Bedouin tent, Ecuador’s Enner Valenica headed the ball into the net after three minutes but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Ecuador took the lead thirteen minutes later when Valencia dribbled round Qatari goalkeeper Saad Alsheeb who grabbed his skin and the referee pointed to the spot. Valencia scored the penalty.

Valencia scored another goal against Qatar, which was the final goal till the end of the match.

Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was present at the imposing Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside of Doha, to watch the host nation face Ecuador.