Ecuador's Valencia scores first goal of 2022 FIFA World Cup

AL KHOR: Ecuador forward Enner Valencia scored the first goal of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Sunday by converting a 16th-minute penalty against hosts Qatar in their tournament opener at Al Bayt Stadium.

Valencia calmly sent his spot-kick into the bottom right corner after he was brought down by goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb, having been played through on goal by Sebastian Mendez.

Ecuador thought they had taken the lead in the fifth minute when Valencia put the ball into the back of the net after Felix Torres' overhead kick.

But the goal was disallowed after the former West Ham and Everton forward was ruled to have been offside by the video assistant referee.