Not only Qatar but Ecuador was also involved in controversy before the start of the World Cup after fielding an ineligible player during qualification. Ecuador was reportedly threatened with elimination from the competition.
However, nothing of the such happened, and the South American country is currently preparing to return to the game’s grand finale after being rejected from Russia 2018, but generating waves at the World Cup has yet to be their strong suit thus far.
Ecuador has already participated in three competitions, in 2002, 2006, and 2014, however, they have only ever advanced past the group stages once, losing in the last sixteen years ago.
The goal for Gustavo Alfaro’s team has been keeping clean sheets throughout the warm-up period as well. Since the beginning of June, Ecuador has played six games without conceding a goal while only scoring twice on their own. Four of those six games have ended in a scoreless draw.
Last Saturday’s match between Ecuador and Iraq ended in another goalless draw for the Tricolor, and Qatar has already played their South American opponents three times at home, going 1-0 up, 0-0, and losing to the team that will be looking to ruin the fun.
Ahead of this game, Qatar’s medical staff has already been hard at work because forward Ahmed Alaaeldin, who was forced off against Albania last week after suffering an undisclosed injury, was always expected to miss this one.
Ali, who is tied for the team lead in goals with 42, could team up with Akram Afif in a two-man attack, and the two will lead the charge for a Qatari team that is primarily defensive in nature.
Abdelkarim Hassan, an international with 130 caps, should control a five-man backline, while captain Hassan Al-Haydos, who is vying to replace Ali Asad, will aim for his 170th cap behind the strikers.
Many of Qatar’s players have proven themselves on the international scene. The Maroon will gain significantly from playing in their first World Cup game with an enthusiastic home audience behind them.
The Ecuadorian team has, however, been known for its tenacious rearguard in recent weeks. While this trend may break here, the Tricolor’s star players can help them win on opening day.