Qatar's defeat in the opening match of a FIFA World Cup tournament shows the disparity between the teams competing in the tournament. Ecuador, which struck twice in the first half, thanks to veteran striker Enner Valencia, had never really felt the pressure from the Qatari side that was playing in front of a packed home crowd in Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday. In fact, Felix Sanchez’s Qatari side became the first host to lose the opening match of a football World Cup.

The difference in approach to the game was largely apparent from the beginning, with Ecuador favouring a 4-4-2 system that outclassed Qatar's 5-3-2 formation. Ecuador thought they had made a dream start within three minutes when they silenced the home fans as Enner Valencia headed in, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for offside in the build-up.

It was only a brief reprieve for Qatar, with Valencia putting the South American side ahead from the penalty spot in the 16th minute before doubling his tally just after the half-hour mark.

Threatening long balls from the back proved vital for Ecuador, with Qatar's defence failing to clear them on time. Valencia was often on the receiving end of these balls and found easy run-in between the lines, enabling Moises Caicedo and Jhegson Mendez to exploit a numerical advantage in midfield. Qatar's inability to hold on to the ball and build up through the middle proved costly for them, leaving the five men defence largely incapable of dealing with counter-press from Ecuador.

Ecuador was dominant in the early exchanges, leading to the second goal of the night. After a surging run from Moises Caicedo, right-back Angelo Preciado swung in a cross which an unmarked Valencia met with a thumping header.

Almoez Ali, the hero of Qatar's 2019 Asian Cup success, looked disjointed often during the game, unable to find balls through the middle. He should have pulled one back on the stroke of half-time but could only steer a free header wide from eight yards out.

Ecuador allowed Qatar more of the ball after the break but still looked like the more dangerous side, with Romario Ibarra bringing a diving save from Al Sheeb. However, Qatar's lack of perseverance and tactical inability proved costly, as Ecuador cruised past the host nation to register the first win of the tournament.