Qatar vs. Ecuador (Sunday, 4.00pm)
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The first match of the highly-controversial 2022 World Cup takes place at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday afternoon, as hosts Qatar lock horns with Ecuador in Group A.
Felix Sanchez Bas's men are competing on the biggest international stage for the first time in their history, while the South American nation make their return to the World Cup finals after an eight-year absence.
We say: Qatar 1-2 Ecuador
Qatar certainly boast plenty of players who know how to make the net ripple on the international stage, and a first-ever World Cup game with the rapturous home crowd behind them will be of major benefit to the Maroon.
However, a staunch rearguard has characterised this Ecuador side in recent months, and while that streak may come to an end here, the Tricolor's star names can propel them to an opening-day victory.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
> How Ecuador could line up against Qatar
> How Qatar could line up against Ecuador
> World Cup 2022: Qatar vs. Ecuador head-to-head record
> Qatar vs. Ecuador: Why to expect goals from 2022 World Cup opener
Barney Corkhill
