Ecuador’s historic win over home team Qatar

KATHMANDU: Ecuador got off to a good start in the World Cup by defeating the hosts, Qatar.

By defeating the home team Qatar 2-0, Ecuador recorded the first defeat in the opening of the World Cup.

The previous World Cup openers had all been won by the hosts. Ecuador took the lead in the 16th minute of Sunday’s match at Al Bayt Stadium.

Ecuador’s captain, Enner Valencia, scored both goals in the win.

He scored the game’s first goal on a penalty in the 16th minute and added the second goal in the 31st minute. Valencia also holds the record for most World Cup goals scored by a country, with five.

Qatar will play Senegal in the second match on Friday and the Netherlands in the final match on November 13 in Group A.