Ecuador picked up the three maximum points as they defeated host, Qatar 2-0 in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup on Sunday.

Ecuador took the early lead in the 3rd minute through Enner Valencia but his goal was cancelled by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

However, his effort later paid off in the 16th minute as he grabbed the opening goal of the game via a penalty.

Playing with so much fluidity the Ecuadorian extended their lead in the 31st minute through Valencia as he headed a brilliant cross into the back of the net.

Qatar had little or nothing to threaten the defence of Ecuador as they were outnumbered in the middle of the pack.

The host could have reduced the scoreline to 2-1 in the 45th minute but the Qatar striker failed to place his headed straight to the back of the net.

The second half was almost the same as the first half as Qatar played more of the ball within their own half without making any serious incursion into the Ecuador defence.

The victory means, Ecuador sit top of Group A on three points against Qatar zero point.

The other Group match will be played on Monday between Senegal and Netherlands.