2022 World Cup : Super Eagles legend lauds Ecuador for doing a professional job v Qatar
Published: November 20, 2022Nigeria legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has lauded Ecuador for doing a professional job in their 2022 World Cup opener against the host nation Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor on Sunday evening.
It was a perfect start for the South Americans as they beat Qatar 2-0, the first time a host nation has lost the opening match of a World Cup.
Former West Ham striker Enner Valencia got his name on the scoresheet twice in the first half, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute and the second goal was a terrific header in the 31st minute.
Qatar had a shaky start and barely created a chance over the course of ninety minutes.
Goalkeeper Saad Abdullah Al Sheeb was beaten in the third minute but the goal was disallowed for offside on video review, and he later conceded a penalty.
In the view of Okocha, Qatar did not put up much of a fight in their loss to Ecuador and suggested that the Asian champions were under pressure especially in the first half.
"They did a professional job. They got the three points that was needed but in my opinion Qatar made it a lot easier for them," Okocha said in his post-match analysis on SuperSport.
"I don't know if the pressure was a bit much on them during the first half or maybe the air conditioner might have affected the players because they are used to playing in the heat.
"You have to give credit to Ecuador because it's not easy to play against the host and they got the job done."
Senegal, without their star striker Sadio Mane, take on the Netherlands in the other Group A fixture on Monday, November 21.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : fef.ec
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Finidi includes Fenerbahce, Anderlecht, Everton, Bolton, Vitoria legends in dream Super Eagles XI
- Nottingham Forest boss provides update on Awoniyi after striker's withdrawal from Ghana, Mali games
- 'Fantastic couple just like in Nigerian national team' - Ex-Napoli star has his say on Osimhen v Lookman duel
- Confirmed: Premier League's youngest debutant signs professional contract with Arsenal
- Spain aiming to cap-tie Barcelona striker on the same date Super Falcons face Banyana Banyana in Pretoria
- Kevin Zeroli reaches an agreement in principle to sign new contract at AC Milan
- Super Eagles-eligible midfielder back in the treatment room at Chelsea
- 16-year-old box-to-box Nigerian midfielder trains with Arsenal first team pre-Manchester City
- Manu Garba returns to Golden Eaglets as head coach; assistant roles for Ugbade, Bala Nikyu
- Trabzonspor eye move for Nwakali's teammate as potential replacement for Southampton loanee Onuachu
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football