Qatar kicked off the 2022 World Cup on Sunday against Ecuador, a month-long exhibition of football finally marred by off-field controversies after a tortuous 12-year run.
The opening match of the first World Cup hosted in the Arab world is being played at the Bedouin tent-inspired Al Bayt Stadium, 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Doha.
About 17 minutes into the match, Ecuador beat Qatar 1-0 with a penalty.
He had earlier scored Ecuador’s goal against Qatar five minutes into the game, but it was ruled offside.
Enner Valencia scored the opening goal of the tournament against the hosts after the opening goal was ruled out by VAR after it was disputed.
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