The first game in Qatar 2022 presented a very interesting game between Qatar and Ecuador. In the first half of the match, Enner Valencia, from the South American squad, scored twice which meant two historic records in a FIFA World Cup.
Before the match, Ecuador had the odds in their favour as they had a very good run in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers. Unfortunately, Qatar is seen as the weakest squad in Group A, but they will try to use the home advantage to surprise everybody.
For the first match, Ecuador started with the domain over the host team fromn the first minute. Their efforts ended in two goals by Enner Valencia in the first half and the striker achieved two new records in the history of the World Cup.
The two historic records Enner Valencia achieved in the first match of Qatar 2022
Al Bayt Stadium received the first match of Qatar 2022 between the host team and Ecuador. The South American team dominated from the beginning and scored two goals before the break.
First, Enner Valencia scored a goal in the 3rd minute, but VAR decided there was an offside before and it didn’t count. Then, a penalty was given to Ecuador and the proper Fenerbahce striker scored the first goal in Qatar 2022.
The 0-1 meant something bigger for Enner Valencia. It is the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup that the first goal of the tournament is scored through a penalty kick.
It was also the first-time ever that Ecuador receives a penalty in their favour in a World Cup. Also, with 33 years and 16 days old, Enner Valencia became the oldest player to score the first goal in a World Cup. The record was held by the Italian Alessandro Altobelli (30 years and 184 days) in 1986 against Bulgaria.