The primary match of the World Cup is lastly right here as hosts Qatar tackle Ecuador. A bunch nation has by no means misplaced its opening recreation at such a event, and the primary Arab hosts will need to proceed that run.
The build-up to this recreation and the event as a complete has been plagued by controversy, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino set a chaotic tone with a press convention on Saturday, which changed into a rambling tirade towards the western media within the face of criticism of each the governing physique and Qatar as hosts.
However now it’s time for the soccer, virtually 12 years to the day since Qatar have been awarded the proper to host. You possibly can comply with the primary recreation of the World Cup 2022 reside beneath with our devoted match weblog, that includes professional perception and evaluation from Malik Ouzia on the floor.
Reside updates
62 minutes: Seems to be like he needs to be effective to proceed.
Ecuador briefly down to 10, Qatar assault down that aspect and clip the ball into the field. Miguel wins the header on the again publish and it’s a good effort, all the time going huge although.
60 minutes: Ecuador glad to sluggish the tempo of the match down, passing the ball round on the again and in midfield. They appear a lot extra comfy in possession than Qatar.
Preciado slides to intercept a move, has stayed down holding his hip. May need overstretched.
57 minutes: Mendez joins his midfield accomplice Caicedo on a yellow card, not an excellent problem in any respect.
Referee has been fast to punish something barely late all match – 5 gamers within the ebook to this point.
55 minutes: Ought to actually be 3-0!
Qatar lose the ball and Ecuador pounce, Ibarra performed clear by. Chops onto his proper foot, curling effort is comfy saved in the long run. Large probability.
54 minutes: Pretty from Plata, skipping previous the challenges and does properly to maintain his stability. Whips an excellent cross into the field, manages to seek out the tiny hole proper in between Valencia and Estrada.
Hasn’t been an excessive amount of in the way in which of attacking risk for the reason that restart, however Ecuador are starting to look sharp once more.
52 minutes: Wow. Preciado is about 35 yards out, fairly huge on the proper and he’s determined that may be a distance he has within the locker.
Tries his luck and blasts a shot that’s nonetheless rising as it’s flies excessive into the stands. Woeful effort.
50 minutes: The hosts nonetheless don’t look very comfy when the ball is within the air, Valencia and Estrada each having fun with success each time their aspect play it lengthy.
Possibly not that point – Estupinan slices it straight out of play as he tries to seek out Valencia down the road.
47 minutes: Qatar look to be pushing a bit greater up the pitch for the reason that restart, Torres harried on the ball and he loses it.
Ecuador win it and break up the pitch, Valencia thinks he’s been dragged again on the sting of the field, referee doesn’t agree.
Again underway!
The second-half is underway – no modifications from both aspect on the break. Valencia is again out and effective to proceed.
Rob Web page being interviewed at half-time. His Wales aspect are in motion tomorow, going through the USA of their opening match.
Even have England vs Iran and Senegal vs Netherlands to return earlier within the day – tons to sit up for!
We’ll have reside blogs protecting all of these, as we are going to for each match within the event.
