Qatar vs Ecuador: Predictions, tips & betting odds

The first match of Qatar 2022 is against a South American team, but Felix Sanchez’s team should struggle in their first-ever World Cup match.

Sunday afternoon is the first game of Qatar 2022. The hosts of this controversial World Cup, Qatar, play Ecuador in the first match of Group A.

The team that came in fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifying tournament is a very long shot to beat the team at home.

Qatar vs Ecuador’s latest odds

Since 2006, when the World Cup hosts started playing in the first game of the tournament, they have never lost. However, that could change at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Qatar is a long shot. Bet365 gives them odds of 12/5 (3.40), while the draw is 11/5. (3.20).

Ecuador, on the other hand, is given odds of 5/4 (2.25), and the South Americans will think they have a good chance of ruining Qatar’s party.

Qatar vs Ecuador first goalscorer odds

In the South American World Cup qualifying, only Brazil scored more goals than Ecuador. Michael Estrada scored the most goals for La Tri.

The Cruz Azul striker has odds of 13/2 (7.50) to score the first goal, while Enner Valencia, who used to play for West Ham, has the best odds at 9/2 to break the deadlock (5.50).

Almoez Ali is 7/1 (8.00) to win for the home team, and Akram Afif is 17/2. (9.50).

Qatar vs Ecuador preview

In qualifying for Qatar 2022, the team led by Gustavo Alfaro proved to be hard to beat, and in preparation for the tournament, they have been very good at defense.

Ecuador has kept a clean sheet in each of the six friendly games they have played leading up to the World Cup. They are likely to do the same thing again.

Qatar is still an unknown quantity because they haven’t played much competitive football recently. However, their third-place finish at the Arab Cup last summer should give them confidence that they can compete.

But the quality of their opponents in Group A is likely to be much higher, and there isn’t much reason to think that the hosts will win in their first-ever World Cup match.

Tips for Qatar vs. Ecuador game

Backing Ecuador to win to nil looks like a good bet, as they have a 12/5 (3.40) chance of keeping a clean sheet.

At the time of writing, the odds were correct. Please be careful when you gamble.

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