Qatar on Sunday made history by becoming the first host nation to lose an opening game at a World Cup, after a 2-0 defeat by Ecuador.
World Cup 2022: Mike Explains Why Qatar Lost Their First Game As The Host Country
This not only broke records but also sparked a lot of reactions as they became the first host nation ever to be beaten in a tournament’s opening game.
The match took place after a 30-minute opening ceremony fronted by Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman and attended by powerful dignitaries including Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Camels and Arabian horses lined the entrance to the stadium, a Bedouin tent-inspired venue located in the rather isolated surrounds of the rural town of Al Khor, north of Doha.
From the luxury, seats were FIFA president Gianni Infantino alongside leaders from the Middle East and Africa.
Fenerbahce forward, Enner Valencia was the hero of the night netting a goal in two-minute before being called offside by VAR.
Qatar’s erratic goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb brought Valencia down in the box and the ex-West Ham forward stepped up to convert the spot-kick.
It got worse for the hosts as Valencia powered in another header before half-time to leave the Al Bayt Stadium silenced at the break.
With Senegal, the defending African champion, and The Netherlands, a three-time finalist, left to play, Qatar’s chances are getting slimmer.
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