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![Enner Valencia scores from the penalty spot. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GZDOHHPUDSS57ER5PPYDDHMGOU.jpg?smart=true&auth=49eeafe9175e6d5f2538096d2ceb5f51e9316f9ddbc3a832c65b31cd2e1704fd&width=400&height=225)
![Ecuador's Enner Valencia is fouled by Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb for the penalty. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A4ETRXWTF6RD3JNJXAKLAQI5Q4.jpg?smart=true&auth=827044178c288810df85202bed6b9c2a52d21caecc1e4c9e411c4b865193e182&width=400&height=225)
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![Ecuador's Enner Valencia celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot in the 2-0 win against Qatar at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20, 2022. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/663V6ZPDATJHN3W2K67XBVI5EI.jpg?smart=true&auth=9af6bbdefb8ceb0ce9aac7122ccc198a019bc7a4e2df104354eb0b37306badfc&width=400&height=225)
![Saad Alsheeb of Qatar is shown a yellow card by referee Daniele Orsato. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/77STNFDNDISG5W6WZQPUWYEPTE.jpg?smart=true&auth=1780b78b5ce3af1e2a100cd8b418e7a7d3718cde0969d31fb502d464a65a8f3c&width=400&height=225)
![Enner Valencia scores from the penalty spot. Getty](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GZDOHHPUDSS57ER5PPYDDHMGOU.jpg?smart=true&auth=49eeafe9175e6d5f2538096d2ceb5f51e9316f9ddbc3a832c65b31cd2e1704fd&width=400&height=225)
![Ecuador's Enner Valencia is fouled by Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb for the penalty. AP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A4ETRXWTF6RD3JNJXAKLAQI5Q4.jpg?smart=true&auth=827044178c288810df85202bed6b9c2a52d21caecc1e4c9e411c4b865193e182&width=400&height=225)
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Enner Valencia spoils the party as Ecuador win World Cup opener against Qatar
Hosts' ambitions fall flat on historic night in Al Khor as South Americans ease to 2-0 victory
![John McAuley](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F42fdb821-a1ba-456f-980a-444e78c14d20.png?smart=true&auth=e06a33d0c3a9b91f69d2f6f0423c3e38ec6692b751de87539e969acaa5c3893f&width=70&height=70)
John McAuley
November 20, 2022
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November 20, 2022