20 Nov, 23:35 (IST)

Ecuador have come out with flying colours, thanks to Enner Valencia, whose brace helped them defeat Qatar in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium. Valencia scored as early as in the third minute but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check. But he didn't stop there. He then scored one from the penalty spot and added another in the first half to put his side 2-0 up. Qatar did try and improve their performance a bit in the second half but they never threatened to damage the scoreline, barring one really good chance towards the end of the first half. 

20 Nov, 23:34 (IST)

Ecuador have come out with flying colours, thanks to Enner Valencia, whose brace helped them defeat Qatar in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium. Valencia scored as early as in the third minute but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check. But he didn't stop there. He then scored one from the penalty spot and added another in the first half to put his side 2-0 up. Qatar did try and improve their performance a bit in the second half but they never threatened to damage the scoreline, barring one really good chance towards the end of the first half. 

20 Nov, 23:13 (IST)

Enner Valencia, who scored both the goals for Ecuador in this opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2022, has been subsituted as he seems to be injured.  Jose Cifuentas replaces him. 

20 Nov, 23:01 (IST)

There has been no change in the score since half-time but Qatar have shown some fight in this half of the match. They have managed to thwart few opportunities by Ecuador, the best of them being their goalkeeper  Saad Al Sheeb pulling a good save. 

20 Nov, 22:40 (IST)

The second half of this match is underway with Qatar hoping to improve their performance after the break. Ecuador, with a 2-0 lead, will hope to add some more to the scoreline as they have been dominant so far. 

20 Nov, 22:23 (IST)

Its Qatar 0-2 Ecuador at half-time! The South Americans got a very early goal through Enner Valencia but it was disallowed by the VAR due to being marginally offside. But Valencia did not stop as he scored the first goal of FIFA World Cup 2022 from the penalty spot in the 16th minute. Later, he doubled his side's lead in the 31st, with a good header. Ecuador have been the more composed and threatening of these two teams and deservedly have a 2-0 lead. Qatar did have a good chance seconds ahead of the break but they failed to score. 

20 Nov, 22:05 (IST)

Another goal for Ecuador! Enner Valencia is lifting the tempo in some style. Capitalising on a cross, an unmarked Valencia has scored once again! The South American side are continuing their dominance in this match. 

20 Nov, 22:00 (IST)

Ecuador have been more threatening of the two teams in this match and with a 1-0 goal advantage already, they would hope to add one more before the break to make things more difficult for the hosts. 

20 Nov, 21:56 (IST)

Enner Valencia, after being disallowed a goal earlier in the evening, has given his side the lead on the second attempt, this time from the penalty spot. Valencia calmly scored the goal, the first of FIFA World Cup 2022. Ecuador are up and away!

20 Nov, 21:53 (IST)

Enner Valencia, after being disallowed a goal earlier in the evening, has given his side the lead on the second attempt, this time from the penalty spot. Valencia calmly scored the goal, the first of FIFA World Cup 2022. Ecuador are up and away!

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It is time for football's grand event as world's best 32 national teams showcase their talent in Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2022. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks-off with a grand opening ceremony today (November 20). It will be followed by hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. This will be a Group A encounter. 32 teams have been divided into seven groups. After the group stage 16 teams will head to pre-quarters and then eight teams into the quarterfinals before semis and finals. When is FIFA World Cup 2022 Opening Ceremony? Know Date and Time in IST Along With Live Streaming Online and Telecast Details.

Meanwhile, at the FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony, which will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium, South Korea’s BTS' member Jungkook will perform a track titled “Dreamers” at the curtain raiser. There are reports that other stars like Shakira will also perform at the FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony.

The kickoff time for the first match is 9:30 pm with FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony accepted to start two hours before the game. This is for the first time that Middle East is hosting the football World Cup and fans will see starts like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar and others in action.