Ratings: Valencia brace powers Ecuador to win against Qatar in World Cup 2022

The hosts were schooled by the South American opponents in their debut at the quadrennial mega event.

The match produced what we expected from both nations, with Ecuador earning the three points with a solid performance against Qatar in the first game of FIFA World Cup 2022. The South American titans were far superior in every regard and gave the host nation little time to adjust. Ecuador played well. They had an early lead. But it was called offside.

But the turning point came when Valencia was hauled down in the box by Al-Sheeb and calmly stepped up to place the ball in the bottom-right corner. The South American giants maintained their assault, and Valencia struck the net once more after nodding into the far-right corner following Preciado's brilliant cross.

Qatar's only danger came when Pedro produced a low cross, but Moex Ali was unable to meet it.

Although they improved in the second half, still couldn't provide much going forward, and the players may have to rethink their performance as the next two matches will be critical for the host nation.

Now we look at how the players performed and their ratings. 

Qatar national football

Al-Sheeb – 3/10

He had a dreadful performance in his first World Cup match, giving up a penalty and surrendering two goals.

Pedro Miguel – 6/10

Pedro was sluggish and couldn't contribute much going forward, but at defence he kept Estupinan at bay.

Bassam Al-Rawi – 4/10 

Al-Rawi was no match for Valencia, and Ecuador overwhelmed them in every way.

Boualem Khoukhi – 3/10 

He had a forgettable game, but perhaps he will make amends in the upcoming matches. 

Abdelkarim Hassan – 8/10 

Only Qatari player who looked comfortable on the ball and managed to decrease the pressure during their pressing. He should be credited for playing with such cool.

Homam Elamin – 6/10 

Only player who had encouraged his team and helped the players build the game from the back and initiated some attacks.

Hassan Al Heidos – 3/10 

A lot was anticipated of the nation's leading scorer, but he was nowhere to be found on the field the majority of the time.

Karim Boudiaf – 3/10 

Boudiaf was unable to serve as an extra defender and was frequently overrun by Ecuador's midfield during counter-attacks.

Andulaziz Hatem – 4/10 

Hatem had a bad game today, failing to set the tone of the game, giving up possession numerous times, and failing to deal with Ecuador's pressure.

Almoez Ali – 4/10 

He had a chance to put Qatar up in the first half, but he blew it, and he was unable to be seen for the rest of the game against Ecuador.

Akram Afif – 6/10 

Afif had a great impact going forward and was able to bother Ecuadorian defence, giving a foothold in the game.

Substitutes: 

Mohammed Muntari – N/A

Mohammed Waad – N/A 

Ecuador national football

Hernan Galinde - 5/10

Galindez was mostly unaffected by the team's superb defensive play and overwhelming performance despite having very little time on the ball and the opposition barely threatened.

Angelo Preciado - 7/10

Preciado's physical presence was too much for the hosts, and his runs on the left flank helped Ecuador to surge forward, as did his wonderful cross in the box, which contributed to the team's second goal.

Felix Torres - 7/10

Felix had excellent ball anticipation, and his aerial abilities allowed him to succeed in the air. And his marking was excellent, allowing him to spend minimal time on the ball.

Piero Hincapie - 6/10

The partnership of Hincapie and Torres at the back allowed Ecuador to remain assured on the ball and exert pressure.

Estupinan Pervis - 6/10

The right-back was composed on the ball and serene in tight areas; his familiarity with the ball assisted Ecuador in avoiding intense pressing from Qatar.

Plata, Gonzalo - 7/10

Plata's confidence gave Ecuador hope in the centre of the field, as his dribbling drew numerous defenders, allowing them to exploit openings. He established the tone for the game.

Jhegson Mendez - 6/10

Mendez fared well as a pivot and contributed to defence as well as offence throughout the attack, yet he remained at defence to stop a potential counter-attack.

Moises Caicedo - 6/10

The midfield duo of Caicedo and Obarra kept the game compact with brilliant passes in tight spaces.

Romario Obarra - 7/10

Obarra had a great game; he commanded the game from midfield, and his presence on the ball allowed them to stay calm.

Enner Valencia - 8/10

He served a purpose in this game, scoring two goals in the first half to demonstrate his powerful striking talents. Valencia had a game to remember with a clinical penalty followed by a stunning header.

Michael Estrada - 6/10

Estrada had a good game, aiding the team in making space in the opponent box and forcing the defenders out of position, allowing Valencia to capitalise on their mistake.

Substitutes:

Alan Franco – N/A

Kevin Rodriguez N/A

Jeremy Sarmiento –  6/10

Sarmiento had a short cameo in the game and the match was already under control of Ecuador, but the player was able to make a little impact against Qatar.