World Cup host Qatar could not cap 12 years of preparation with a win in the tournament opener, as Ecuador secured a dominant 2-0 win at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Sunday.
In match played in front of more than 67,000 people, the home team went behind after 16 minutes when Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb brought down Enner Valencia in the box. Valencia then stepped up and slotted the penalty.
Al Sheeb had a nightmare start to the game and was only saved by video assistant referee after making a blunder that ended with Valencia heading the ball into the back of the net in the fifth minute.