Valencia strikes twice as Ecuador beat Qatar in World Cup opener

⏱ Ecuador take the points in our first game at #Qatar2022! @adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022

Valencia converted a penalty before powering home a header to give Gustavo Alfaro’s side a perfect start in Group A.

The Ecuador captain sent a header into the back of the net following Felix Torres’ overhead kick in the third minute, but the goal was disallowed after the former West Ham and Everton forward was ruled offside by the video assistant referee.

Despite having 47 percent of possession in the game at the Al Bayt Stadium, Qatar didn’t manage a single shot on target while Ecuador had three.

Never too early to celebrate being top of the group 🇪🇨🔝#Qatar2022 | #FIFAWorldCup

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— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022

The result marked the first time that a host team has lost the opening game of the World Cup.

A souvenir from a 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 memorable match 👕#FIFAWorldCup | @LaTri pic.twitter.com/UQS6lTYEDt

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 20, 2022