The first attempt by Ecuador in the 3rd minute of the match wasn’t counted because Enner Valencia was just a little bit behind the last defender. According to the rules, if the goalie moves forward, the striker has to be even with at least two players on the field, and the second-to-last player is the offside line. Valencia was offside because he was in front of the second-to-last defender. However, First goal of FIFA world cup in 15th and second in 30th minute of Ecuador – Qatar match.
First goal of FIFA world cup in 15th and second in 30th minute of Ecuador – Qatar match
Enner Valencia puts the ball in the bottom right corner. For over 450 minutes leading up to the World Cup, Ecuador was scoreless. It only takes them three minutes to score in the first game of the tournament. Even though they had a goal ruled out earlier in the tournament, in the 16th minute Valencia scored their first goal of the World Cup off the penalty spot. Defeat for Qatar, 1-0 for Ecuador.
In the 30th Minute Enner Valencia scores again and he makes it 2-0 ! The ball was played by Caicedo to Preciado, who crossed it with a first touch toward the far post; Ecuador was not going to miss.
The team from Qatar is having trouble maintaining possession. It would not have mattered if Estrada had crossed from Estupinan’s cross. Almost immediately thereafter, Almoez is cautioned for bringing down an attacking Valencia. Keep in mind that the tournament’s opening game has never been lost by the host team.
