fifa world cup 2022

World Cup dismay for Qatar as Ecuador wins opening game 2-0

10 Comments
By STEVE DOUGLAS

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First home country to lose the opening game. It was apparently a very poor display.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Qatar needs to redefine what counts as success. It’s a country without a strong soccer tradition that’s never played a World Cup match before last night. Success for Qatar would be scoring a single goal this tournament.

Ecuador won 2-0, but it felt at moments like the team was under orders not to humiliate the hosts. The score easily could have been 7-0 given the lack of quality on the Qatari side.

Don’t want to be humiliated in the World Cup? Then don’t pour hundreds of millions of dollars into bribes to secure a spot as host.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Ecuador took their foot off the pedal in the second half, probably under orders not to embarrass the hosts. I don't fancy Qatar's chances v. the Dutch.

Qatar's manager used to coach the Barca youth side but they didn't look comfortable with possession football. Maybe they should have employed Tony Pulis for tight defending and the long ball game. They disturbed the happy slumber of the Ecuador keeper a few times when they moved the ball forward faster.

They aren't the only team to play with inappropriate tactics. England can play well when they play a fast, attacking premiership-style game. When they attempt possession football, they just knock it around at the back until they lose it.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The next World Cup in 2026 will feature 16 more teams. for a total of 48. Way too much. Only more weaker teams like Qatar will qualify, resulting in a drawdown level and some poorer group games. But more sponsorship if India or China make it.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Boys against men. Qatar were awful but with Senegal missing Mane, they may be able to snatch a point in that game. The Dutch will hammer them, maybe 5-0.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@didou

But more sponsorship if India or China make it.

China's chances in 2026 aren't better, because of the CSL(Chinese Super League)'s collapse.

There's gonna be 8 slots for AFC in 2026. Presumptive qualifying teams are

Australia

Japan

Korea

Iran

Iraq

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Uzbekistan or North Korea

No room for China.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It'll be interesting to see how Qatar responds when they are ejected in the first round. Massive clampdown on any fun? Jailing of media? We'll see soon enough.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Al-Annabi is a work in progress. Gaffer Felix Sanchez has still a lot to do. Scorer Enner Valencia is leading La Tricolor in the right direction. Good luck to Qatar and Ecuador in the challenges ahead.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Qatar needs to redefine what counts as success. It’s a country without a strong soccer tradition that’s never played a World Cup match before last night. Success for Qatar would be scoring a single goal this tournament.

A very realistic goal, but probably nothing the host country would ever recognize as "success". As said, money can get a low quality team into the world cup but not make it worth of being there.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Many didn't return for the second half. And heading into the final quarter of the game, thousands of seats were empty.

This is what's more pathetic

Qataris, support your team! Through thick and thin!

Ya wanted the World Cup, but ya can't even stay the whole game?!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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