Valencia doubled the lead with a powerful header following a pinpoint cross from Ángelo Preciado .
In a dominant performance, Ecuador’s captain scored twice in the first half, securing a comfortable win and making Qatar the first host nation in the tournament's 92-year history to lose its opening match. Match Highlights & Key Moments вљЅ вљЅ Katar - Ekwador вљЅ вљЅ вљЅ
After being tripped in the box by Qatari goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb , Valencia clinicaly converted the resulting penalty kick. Valencia doubled the lead with a powerful header
The match began with early drama when a header from Valencia in the 3rd minute was ruled out for offside by VAR. However, Ecuador's pressure quickly paid off: Ecuador's pressure quickly paid off: