Qatar Vs Ecuador clash flags off 2022 FIFA World Cup on Dstv, Gotv

20.11.2022 - 09:27 guardian.ng

Ecuador’s coach Gustavo Alfaro steps on the ball as he heads a training session at Essaimer SC in Doha on November 19, 2022 on the eve of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football match between Qatar and Ecuador. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP)Host country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, will take on Ecuador for the opening match of the biggest football tournament at the Al Bayt Stadium today evening.The match, which will be broadcast live on World Cup Central channel (DStv channel 202 and GOtv channel 31) at 5:00 pm, will kick off a 64-game tournament comprising 32 teams from six continents of the world.

In the last 21 editions of the tournament, the host countries have managed to avoid a loss. The Maroons of Qatar, who are making their debut in the tournament, will be under pressure to maintain that record and become part of that elite group.Led by renowned coach, Felix Sanchez, the Maroons hope to make a statement against the more seasoned Ecuadorian national team that is participating in the tournament for the fourth time.

But, Gustavo Alvaro’s men will be no pushover, as they have kept six consecutive clean sheets since they held Argentina to a 1-1 standoff in March.The other teams in Group A, Senegal and The Netherlands, will take on each other the following day at the Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor.

The Netherlands, under the tutelage of veteran manager, Louis Van Gaal, is considered one of the tournament’s favourites. Having failed to qualify for the last edition, the Dutch national team will be keen to remedy that blip in their World Cup history and put the disappointment of the past behind them as they roll out their campaign to possibly lift the coveted trophy for the first time.The Teranga Lions of Senegal, on the

cup on Louis Van-Gaal Felix Sanchez Qatar Netherlands Argentina Doha Senegal Sanchez Ecuador

DOHA: Merely a glance at their iconic orange or blue and white striped shirts is enough to evoke memories of World Cups past and more history will surely be written on Friday when the Netherlands face Argentina in their quarterfinal.

FIFA World Cup 2022: Netherlands Beat USA 3-1 To Qualify For Quarter-finals

A clinical Netherlands ended the United States' World Cup dream on Saturday, sweeping into the quarter-finals with a ruthless 3-1 victory. First-half goals from Memphis Depay and Daley Blind and a late strike from Denzel Dumfries sealed a deserved victory as the Dutch handed out a painful lesson in finishing to their American opponents. The Netherlands, bidding to win their first World Cup after losing in three previous finals, will face Argentina or Australia in the last eight. Veteran coach Louis van Gaal's men were worthy victors in Saturday's last-16 clash at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Ecuador fans proud of 'La Tri' despite World Cup elimination

DOHA: Ecuador fans are proud of the "Tricolor" national team and many of them praised coach Gustavo Alfaro despite the South American nation being eliminated from the World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday (Nov 29).

Netherlands see off sorry Qatar to reach World Cup last 16

AL KHOR, Qatar: Cody Gakpo scored again as the Netherlands booked their place in the World Cup last 16 as group winners with a straightforward 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar on Tuesday. The Netherlands, needing just a point to be sure of progressing, put one foot in the next round inside the first half-hour as Gakpo scored in a third straight group game. Frenkie de Jong added another in the 49th minute as the Dutch cruised through in a flat atmosphere at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Ecuador struggle to absorb 'hard blow' of World Cup exit

DOHA : Ecuador's players collapsed in tears after failing to reach the World Cup knockout stage on Tuesday and their equally devastated coach acknowledged it was a bitter pill to swallow.