Ecuador beat Qatar 2-0 in the first group of the World Cup. Alfaro’s side won with two goals from Ener Valencia in the first half.

In the second round, Qatar will play with Senegal. Ecuador competes with the Netherlands, the big favorite in the first group.

The guests opened the scoring in the third minute, but Valencia’s goal did not count VAR due to offside. Qatar failed to play in midfield, with Ecuador winning a penalty in the 15th minute after their captain was knocked down by goalkeeper Al Said.

The Fenerbahce striker was cool and opened the scoring. The players of Ecuador were constantly on the attack and tried to create dangerous situations.

In the 20th minute, Alfaro’s team had another good chance when Caicedos missed from a good position. In the 31st minute, Ecuador made the score 0:2. Valencia took the lead and doubled their team’s score.

There were several phases from there in the first half. In stoppage time, Ali found himself alone in a small area, but missed Qatar’s biggest chance.

Ecuador had two good chances early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Preciado struck from long range, and three minutes later, the Qatar goalkeeper parried a reflected shot from Ibarra from the height of the penalty area.

In the 62nd minute it was Qatar’s turn to threaten Miguel, but his attempt went wide of the mark. Since then, the pace of the match has dropped noticeably.

In the 75th, Afif fired from a long distance, not particularly threatening. In the 81st minute, Ecuador made another good attack, but the Qatari goalkeeper was ready and cut off Sifuentes’ shot.

The organizers had a new big stage in the 87th minute. Mudari had a good volley from the sideline, but he missed.