World Cup Host Qatar Lose 2-0 to Ecuador in Opening Game

Hosts Qatar have found no joy on the pitch during Sunday evening’s opening encounter against Ecuador.

Two goals from captain Enner Valencia eased the South American side to victory, sending a small but vocal contingent of Ecuadorian fans present at the Al-Bayt Stadium into rapture.

And as Qatar was dropping its opening match 2-0 to Ecuador, the fan zone in central Doha became a chaotic scene as tens of thousands of fans were pushed against police lines to enter the venue. Fans were trying access the enclosed area that contained big screens for viewing matches and buy beer.

Qatar is home to 3 million people, most of them migrant workers, and has spent more than $200 billion for improvements across the energy-rich country that’s roughly the same size as the state of Connecticut or the island of Jamaica. Among the additions are seven new purpose-built venues, including the 60,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium that hosted Sunday’s opening ceremony and first match.