2022 FIFA World Cup: Ecuador’s Enner Valencia Scores the First Goal of the Mundial

• Enner Valencia etched his name in World Cup football folklore when he became the first player to score in the competition's maiden edition in the Middle East
• Valencia took his international tally to 36 goals when he sent the Qatari goalkeeper the wrong way to draw first blood for Ecuador
• The 33-year-old striker made his international debut in 2012 and played a starring role in the 2014 World Cup, scoring three goals

Ecuador talisman Enner Valencia scored the first goal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup via the penalty spot in the opening match of the competition.

Valencia had earlier broken the game's deadlock against host nation Qatar after just two minutes however his goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The ex-West Ham United frontman took advantage of a dodgy defending in the box by Qatar to head home into the yawning net.

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His joy was short-circuited by the dreaded VAR but was on hand to score the tournament's first goal when he coolly slotted home from 12 yards.

How did Valencia score?

The 33-year-old striker was put through on goal by his teammate and he cleverly rounded Al Sheeb in goal for Qatar before he was held back by the custodian.

Valencia sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot to score the maiden goal of the tournament and most importantly put Ecuador in front.

Valencia's first strike ruled out

Enner Valencia scored the maiden goal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup however his joy was shortlived as referee Daniel Orsato ruled the goal out for offside.

The former West Ham United and Everton striker took advantage of a dodgy defending by the Qatari defence to head home from close range.

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The Ecuador skipper who celebrated with his teammates saw his effort ruled out after a VAR review.

Ecuador star fakes injury

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ecuador marksman Enner Valencia was once involved in an incident that was so unbelievable, that one could only fathom it after watching the video.

Valencia is no stranger to the global spectacle, as he was responsible for scoring his nation's three goals in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Furthermore, he is a big name in his nation as he is the leading goal scorer for his country of all time, with 35 goals in 74 matches.