Valencia double puts Qatar at risk of unwanted record

Ecuador striker Enner Valencia scored twice in the first half to put his side 2-0 ahead in the opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup against hosts Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Sunday.

Valencia stroked home a 16th-minute penalty to score the first goal of this edition of the World Cup. He coolly converted from the spot to put Ecuador 1-0 up against hosts Qatar after an incident-packed start to the tournament.

Valencia doubled the lead for Ecuador after heading home a cross from Angelo Preciado from the right flank in the 32nd minute.

Earlier, Valencia had seen what looked like an opening goal disallowed for a controversial offside following an intervention by VAR.

If the result holds, Qatar will be the first host nation to lose the opening game in the World Cup.