Fifa World Cup 2022

After a grueling 12-year build-up marred by off-field issues, the month-long football extravaganza finally got underway on Sunday in Qatar.Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar attended the opening match between the host nation and Ecuador at the spectacular Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometers outside of Doha.Enter Valencia of Ecuador headed the ball into the net after three minutes of a frenetic opening to the game in the stadium designed to resemble a Bedouin tent, but the goal was disallowed for offside.After Valencia dribbled past Qatari goalkeeper Saad Alsheeb, who caught his shin, the referee pointed to the spot, and Valencia calmly rolled home the penalty, Ecuador did take the lead thirteen minutes later.The Al Bayt arena is one of many brand-new stadiums constructed for the event, the most costly World Cup in history, which cost Qatar an estimated $200 billion.Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was present for the 30-minute opening ceremony, which included South Korean K-pop artist Jung Kook. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, sat close to the The commencement of the World Cup is intended to end the controversy that has dogged preparations ever since Qatar was selected as the host nation in a shocking FIFA vote in 2010.The pre-tournament headlines have been dominated by Qatar's handling of migrant workers and the Gulf state's human rights record. But on Saturday, Infantino launched a forceful defense against the criticism leveled at the occasion, claiming that a large portion of it was unjustified.Infantino stated, "This moral lesson-giving—one-sided—is plain hypocrisy. I don't want to teach you any life lessons, but what is happening here is utterly, utterly unfair.Even when the tournament action begins, controversies seem destined to continue. OneLove armbands in rainbow colors will be worn by players from several European countries, including England, Germany, and Denmark, as a show of support for the LGBTQ population.The action increases the possibility of disciplinary punishment from FIFA, the organization that governs the globe of soccer. FIFA has announced intentions to provide teams with its replacement armbands.Infantino reiterated that all World Cup guests, regardless of sexual orientation, will be welcomed. Everyone is welcome, which they [the hosts] can certify that I can confirm.Brazil, a five-time winner, was the last squad to arrive in Doha late on Saturday, completing the team's arrival. Karim Benzema, France's star striker and Ballon d'Or winner, was also removed from the tournament for the first time due to injury.France, the defending champions, are already struggling without their two key midfielders, Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante. The Real Madrid star exited Saturday's workout limping due to a left thigh issue.The 34-year-old would need "a rehabilitation time of three weeks," according to a subsequent statement from the French federation, and would not compete.Romelu Lukaku's absence from the Red Devils' first two matches as he continues to recover from a hamstring issue has dealt Belgium another injury blow.

Easy win for Ecuador

Later, Ecuador easily defeated World Cup Qatar 2-0, with experienced striker Valencia scoring both goals. The debutants were daunted by the magnitude of the event.The leading goal scorer for Ecuador, known as "Superman" at home, gave the South Americans a dominating lead in the first half with an early penalty and a skilled header.In front of 67,372 spectators at Al Bayt, the situation for the hosts might have been even worse if Valencia, 33, had not had a third-minute header disallowed for a slight offside after Alsheeb flapped at the ball.Alsheeb later fouled Valencia as he was through on goal, and as the Ecuadorian calmly converted the ensuing penalty in the 16th minute, Alsheeb dived the wrong way.To go past Alsheeb again with his second attempt, Valencia had to descend and accept Angelo Preciado's cross practically from behind him. Despite being unmarked, Valencia still displayed excellent skill.

The Group A match was over after that goal, and the second half was played slowly. Many Qataris left before the game's conclusion while Ecuador's supporters screamed "Ole!"Qatar's chances of earning points or making it out of the group stage are minimal given that both teams now have to play Senegal and the Netherlands.