In the 92-year history of the World Cup, Qatar is the only host nation to lose its first game.
WHAT OCCURRED?
Ecuador defeated Qatar 2-0 in the tournament's opening match, thanks to two goals from captain Enner Valencia in the first half. The captain of Ecuador also had a goal disallowed for offside. As a result, Qatar loses its opening match in the World Cup for the first time.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
Qatar didn't want to begin competition with a scandal that had already erupted before a single ball had been kicked. At halftime, with the hosts already down 2-0, the crowd made obvious how they felt about the game by leaving in significant numbers. Initial estimates indicate that at halftime, some 20,000 fans departed the game.
ARE YOU AWARE?
There were only 11 total shots in this game (five for Qatar and six for Ecuador); no World Cup game has ever had less (since 1966).
WHAT WILL QATAR DO NEXT?
The hosts face Senegal on Friday in their next game.
