Two Goal Hero Enner Valencia Named Man of the Match as Ecuador Beat Qatar in World Cup Opener

• Enner Valencia has been named the Player of the Match after Ecuador beat Qatar in the opening game of the World Cup
• The Ecuador captain scored a first-half brace to inspire the South Americans to a comfortable victory over the hosts
• Ecuador will next face the Netherlands in their second group game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday

Ecuador captain and forward Enner Valencia has been named Man of the Match after the opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Fenerbahce forward scored a first-half brace, as the South Americans strolled to victory against the Middle East host.

Valencia could have scored a hat-trick, but his first goal was disallowed for offside after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

In a photo posted on social media, the striker is spotted with his accolade after he inspired his side to victory.

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Valencia first converted from the spot in the 15 minutes after he was brought down by Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb. Six minutes later, he doubled his tally after meeting a cross from Angelo Preciado.

Ecuador will head into their second game against the Netherlands on Friday full of confidence, after picking up all three points in their opener.

Meanwhile, Qatar has become the first host nation to lose a World Cup opening game.

World Cup: Valencia scores first

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ecuador talisman Valencia scored the first goal of the 2022 World Cup via the penalty spot, in the opening match of the competition.

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

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

Qatar lose to Ecuador in opener

Qatar became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup match, as Ecuador cruised to victory over the hosts.

The Asian champions enjoyed the backing of the majority of the crowd at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium, but could not follow a glitzy opening ceremony with a statement performance.

Ecuador thought they had a dream start when they silenced the home fans through Valencia's header, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for an offside.