Enner Valencia plays role of party pooper as Equador ease aside host Qatar in opener
That impression was quickly borne out when Valencia, who had been fouled by Al-Sheeb, converted a penalty. An expertly taken header after the half-hour removed the game’s remaining edge and, by the end, large swathes of this vast, textured tent-like structure, 45 minutes’ drive north of Doha, had all but emptied.
Perhaps the stars had aligned for Qatar., who would have had to repel dark murmurings about injustice had the call decided things. They were behind soon enough when Al-Sheeb, a touch slow to react, came out to meet Valencia and clipped him on the shin. A penalty, a booking and no scope for suggestions of favouritism; Valencia oozed confidence in scoring and, at that point, Qatar looked vulnerable whenever a yellow wave swept their way.
Surely Qatar had more to offer. They are the Asian champions and, in what might have proved a useful exercise, did not disgrace themselves against Paraguay, Colombia or Argentina when guesting at the Copa América three years ago. It was clear they had frozen on this windy, surprisingly brisk evening; their football was neat enough but Ecuador were technically and physically superior.
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