The FIFA World Cup 2022 gets underway on Sunday afternoon and as is becoming accustomed in the tournament we begin with the host nation opening up the event as Qatar play host to Ecuador to start Group A.
This will be the first time Qatar will have played a competitive match since they finished third in the lesser known Arab Cup a year ago. Ecuador have been much more competitive since then and will be looking to take advantage of that here.
Where to watch
The match will be shown in the UK on the BBC One channel with the build-up to the opening ceremony and the contest beginning at 3pm. Kick off at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor is 4pm GMT.
Qatar
This will be a historic day for Qatar football. For all the controversy with them hosting this World Cup, they will be competing in the final stages of the tournament for the first time. They will go into the match looking to preserve history in that a host nation has never lost their opening match of a FIFA World Cup. Many of the hosts go in as unknown quantities having not played competitive matches for a while but Qatar have played in the Copa America, Asia Cup and Gold Cup over the last three years.
The one thing we know about Qatar is that they like to take the game to their opposition even if it means they leave themselves exposed a little at the back. There are goals in this side. No fewer than eight members of the 23 outfield players in this squad have double figures for goals at international level so Qatar know where the net is, albeit a lot of those matches will be against Asian opposition who are generally weaker than other continents. If they can defend well Qatar could well extend that host nation record.
Ecuador
When qualifying for the World Cup began, I don’t think too many would have seen Ecuador as automatic qualifiers from the COMNEBOL region but to their credit they finished fourth in that table, above the likes of Colombia, Peru and Chile so they merit respect as they embark on another appearance in the finals. The immediate test will be how they go away from the altitude which gives them a definitive advantage in their home matches.
The immediate issue for this Ecuador team is that only one member of their squad is into double figures for goals at international level but if we look beyond that, their younger age group teams are achieving good things and those players will be coming through into the senior team which could make them a dangerous force, if not here then by the time we get to the USA in 2026. Ecuador will know the tests get tougher from here on in and will want to perform well in this one.
Special Offer
OPEN AN ACCOUNT WITH 888SPORT AND BET £10 TO GET £30 IN FREE BETS PLUS A £10 CASINO BONUS! PERFECT OFFER TO USE ON THE WORLD CUP! CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO JOIN. USE CODE 30F. NEW ACCOUNTS ONLY. 18+ T&Cs apply (See image for significant terms). Gamble Aware.
Team News
Felix Sanchez hasn’t really given too many indications over his starting goalkeeper with Saad Al Sheeb and Meshaal Barsham having switched in and out in the friendlies. One man who can be expected to feature is Almoez Ali, the focal point of the Qatari attack.
Romario Ibarra is expected to be available for selection despite a hand injury in a recent friendly and it appears as though Augsburg midfielder Carlos Gruezo will also be available despite going off injured last weekend.
Betting
These two nations have only met once in their history which was a friendly four years ago which Qatar won 4-3. Clearly things are going to be different here given what is on the match and there might be a sense that neither team wants to lose but I think both might also see the opportunity that is in front of them and will look to go after this game. Ecuador are known for being a low scoring team but a lot of that is down to the altitude they play in as they have some good attacking players.
Ecuador have scored in their last six competitive matches and bagged five goals in four group games at the Copa America last year so I have no issues with their attacking intent and they’ll find a Qatar defence who will allow those attackers to thrive. Ecuador might be taken back by how many Qatar players get forward in this match though and so I’m happy to go against the grain and back both teams to find the back of the net in this opener.
Tips
Back Both teams to score for a 3/10 stake at 2.20 with William Hill
Back it here:
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2022
