The first match of the opening day of the World Cup 2022 is between host Qatar and Ecuador, while England faces Iran. Follow for more soccer odds, news and updates here!
Qatar vs. Ecuador
Result: Qatar 0 – 2 Ecuador – Enner Valencia 16’ (P), 31’
Summary: The host nation suffered a huge blow in their very first game in the FIFA World Cup. They became the first host nation to lose their opening game. Almoez Ali, Qatar’s reliable player did not step up for the team as the Ecuador squad led by Enner Valencia’s two consecutive goals in the first half and the team’s world-class defense in the second half. This is the first taste of a world-class football match for Qatar. Enner is truly an upcoming Ecuador’s football legend and a man of the match
Player of the Match: Enner Valencia 16’ (P), 31’.
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England vs. Iran
Result: England 6 – 2 Iran – Jude Bellingham 35’, Bukayo Saka 43’, 62’, Raheem Sterling 45+1’, Marcus Rashford 71’, Jack Grealish 90’ / Iran – Mehdi Taremi 65’, 90+13’
Summary: This was Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham’s match, as they both were pretty outstanding to help England’s demolition of Iran. The Three Lions showed no mercy against the top-ranked Asian team. Bellingham scored at the 35th, followed by Saka who scored both the first and second half of the match. Raheem Sterling ended the first half with England convincingly leading 3-0. Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish scored in the second half to seal the match’s victory over Iran. However, the Iranian recorded their two goals of the tournament, thanks to Mehdi Taremi 65′ and a penalty at the 90 minute extended time. But it was too late and is not enough to make a comeback.
Player of the Match: Bukayo Saka 43’, 62’.
Biggest Winner: England
England had the best game of the matchday 1 of the FIFA World Cup, most of their scorers are young up and coming players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Marcus Rashford. They also displayed their dominance in this matchup, and made the world witness the caliber of the stacked England team aiming to lift the World Cup trophy this year. Jude Bellingham also made a statement for Best Young Player at the 2022 World Cup.
Biggest Loser: Qatar
Qatar became the first host nation to ever lose a world cup opening game and their defeat is much deeper than what you may think. This team is well-prepared, most of their main players came from the same program, and has been together for most of the time, they built familiarity, and the Qatari government put an effort and funds for this team to be prepared for the biggest stage held in their home soil and is expected to win their first game in the world cup, yet they still suffered an embarrassing defeat from the hands of Ecuador and from one man, Enner Valencia. However, there are still two games left for the host nation, they will face Senegal and Netherlands. Who knows, maybe they could make an upset against one of these teams.
Player of the Day: Bukayo Saka (England)
The 21 year-old showcased his prowess as a midfielder fearlessly attacking the thigh defense of the taller opponents Iran. His ability to make cuts, timing to take the pass, and his ball control was in full-display in this match. He almost had his hat-trick but he was subbed-out by Southgate for Marcus Rashford. Enner should be the player of the match, however, given the weight of the match, with England facing a regular world cup team in Iran compared to Ecuador facing the first-timer, it is without a doubt that it should be given to Bukayo Saka, given his age he already established himself as the youngest future of English footballers.
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