Qatar vs Ecuador Prediction: Expect a Thrilling Opening Game of the World Cup!

With the 2022 Qatar World Cup starting on 20th, we have the host nation, Qatar taking on Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium. Going in the contest, Qatar stands 50th in the international standings, whereas Ecuador is at the 44th spot. Though Ecuador hasn’t achieved much success lately, it will look to expedite and bag an important win in the opening game of the World Cup 2022. Qatar and Ecuador have competed only once before, and that was in 2018, in which Qatar managed to win 4-3. With Qatar progressing with the title of Asian Champions, it will be a tough task for Ecuador to win.

Qatar - Coming off Five Back to Back Wins (WWWWW)

Since September, the Qatari Stars League has been essentially stopped to give Felix Sanchez’s team enough time to be ready for the country’s first-ever appearance in the World Cup finals.

Akram Afif began on the sidelines for Qatar against Albania in their last warm-up game before the first game. Along with Almoez Ali (who scored the game’s lone goal), the 25-year-old makes up half of Qatar’s main attacking pair. If Afif didn’t line up at the Al Bayt this Sunday, it would come as a huge shock. Qatar, as a National unit, has registered wins against Albania (0-1), Panama (2-1), and Honduras (1-0). Qatar has been quite resilient at home, as they have stayed unbeaten in the last 4 home fixtures.

Predicted Opening Lineup for Qatar (3-5-2)

Sheeb; Khoukhi, Rawi, A Hassan; Ro-Ro, Hatem, Haydos, Boudiaf, Amin; Afif, Ali.

Ecuador - Has Injuries Issue at the Start of the Tournament (DDDWD)

Going in the game, Ecuador is coming off a draw against Iraq (0-0), which was a preparatory friendly fixture between the two sides. Ecuador is likely to continue with a 4-3-3 formation, with Palacios, Mendez, Estarada, and Mena holding key spots in the lineup. After overcoming an ankle fracture, Robert Arboleda participated in Ecuador’s final pre-World Cup friendly against Iraq last weekend. Jeremy Sarmiento of Brighton was not participating because he is still recovering from a muscle injury incurred just before the Premier League break this month. Carlos Gruezo is also a question mark after hobbling out in the first 30 minutes of Augsburg’s Saturday loss to Bochum. Going in the game, Ecuador will look to overcome its injury issues and play with a well-equipped lot of players.

Predicted Opening Lineup for Ecuador (4-2-3-1)

Dominguez; Arboleda, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Mendez, Caicedo; Plata, Cifuentes, Ibarra; Valencia.

Expert Betting Tips

Going in the contest, Ecuador will be unlikely to adjust to the situation early in the game due to the away game pressure, and that too at the start of the World Cup. Qatar is carrying a decent form under the command of Felix Sanchez. The game total is expected to be over 1.5 goals, and only Qatar to score. 

• Correct Score 1-0 for 7.5 at Coinplay;
• Qatar to Win for 3.30 at Bet365;
• Total Under 2.5 for 1.55 at 1xbet.