After a drawn-out 12-year preparation period marred by off-field controversy, the month-long World Cup in football finally began on Sunday with host nation Qatar, vs Ecuador.
The Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometers (31 miles) outside of Doha, was built to resemble a Bedouin tent, and it is where the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world kicked off.
Ecuador defeated Qatar 1-0 on a penalty kick 17 minutes after the game started.
Five minutes into the game, Ecuador scored for Qatar, but it was called back for offside.
Enner Valencia scored the opening goal of the tournament against the host nation by converting from the penalty spot after the VAR had controversially overturned his first goal.
At the Al Bayt Stadium, the South Americans were in complete control and had doubled their lead by halftime due to another goal from the former West Ham striker.
Ecuador defeated host Qatar 2-0 to start the 2022 World Cup off on the right foot.
