For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup hosts lost their opening match as Ecuador beat Qatar 2-0 with both goals in the first half.
Ecuador’s striker Enner Remberto converted from the spot in the 16th minute after having his first disqualified.
The 33-year-old Fenerbahçe player went on to add the second in the 31st minute.
The South Americans could have added more pains to Qatar, who however failed to reduce the tally late on after surviving the onslaught.
Ecuador top Group A and will take on the Netherlands on Friday, while Qatar’s next game is against African champions Senegal the same day.
Tomorrow, Senegal open their campaign with a match against the Netherlands.
Full matches tomorrow: Group B: England v Iran (2 pm), Group A: Senegal v Netherlands (5 pm), Group B: United States v Wales (8 pm)
