The host of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar has crumbled in the opening match of the tournament on a 2-0 defeat in the hands of South American side, Ecuador at the full 60.000 capacity Al Bayt Stadium. The opening encounter of the 22nd edition of the biggest football tournament on planet earth this Sunday, November 20, 2022 preceded a grandeur’s opening ceremony in typical arabian style rich in culture, colour and rhythm.
The earliest goal could have been during the first three minutes after kick-off of the highly awaited World Cup tournament but the Video Assistant Refereeing marked it an offside and disallowed the goal by Ecuador’s captain, Enner Valencia
At the 16th minute of play, Enner Valencia again, second oldest player in the Ecuador’s squad, scored the first goal of the 2022 World Cup, by converting a penalty to put Ecuador ahead of host nation Qatar 1-0.
The struggle to level scores was not really visible with little or no effort from the Arab host, Qatar. The laxity was once again exploited just some fifteen minutes to half time when, Enner Valencia came up with a header at the 31st minute to swell the score board moving the goal tally to 2-0 in favour of Ecuador.
The celebration for the thousands of fans came to an end as many of the Qatari fans had left their seats even before the whistle to usher in the second half was blown.
Many stayed back chanting and cheering their boys to overturn the 2-0 lead in their favour but their hopes just did not match the actions on the pitch.
Accordingly, the brilliance of the 33-year old captain of Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in the opening encounter of the World Cup this Sunday, November 20 credits him to a total of 18 goals with his national team in some fifty appearances.
A Colourful Opening Ceremony it was!
Indeed the opening match followed sometime after the well coordinated ceremony marked by a celebration of the 32 participating countries through their colours, songs and picturesque scenes at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Legendary, American movie actor, Morgan Freeman took center stage to deliver words of motivation and peace as the world meets in Qatar for a one month football bonanza. Infact, the discourse was highly applauded as the superstar preached one humanity and one love in a world full of diversity
On his heels, came Jungkook,one of the most populous pop stars in the world of music. The South Korean youngster with his sizzling dance moves left the world to talk on the social media as he performed Dreamers at the World Cup opening ceremony.
He is the youngest of the South Korea Boys Band, BTS, one of the most followed and sensational bands on planet earth.
In very coordinated and memorable manner other artists took the stage while some memorable World Cup Songs were on playback like Shakira’s Zangaliwa amongst others.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomed fans from all over the world.
“How beautiful it is for people to put aside what divides them in order to celebrate their diversity,” he said.
“Let this tournament be full of inspiring days of goodness and hope,” he said, “and welcome everyone to the world in Doha.”
The boss of the World football governing altar, Infantino in a couple of languages welcomed everyone to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar while resounding love as the language and foundation of football.
Benly Anchunda
