The Football World Cup 2022 will finally get underway on Sunday as hosts Qatar face Ecuador in the opening match at the Al Bayt Stadium. The match has already garnered attention before kick-off as various reports suggest around 8 Ecuadorian players have been bribed $7.4 million by Qatar. Keeping controversies aside, let’s dive straight into fantasy prediction for the match. Do read till the end if you want to see suggested fantasy XIs.
Qatar vs Ecuador Team Preview
The reigning AFC Champions and hosts Qatar, are set to make their World Cup debut on Sunday. Qatar are currently ranked 50th in official men’s ranking and play an exciting brand of football under head coach Felix Sanchez.
After missing out on the 2018 Football World Cup in Russia, La Tri will make their 4th finals appearance since 2002. In terms of ranking, Ecuador have a slight advantage over their opponents and sit on 44th position in the official men’s ranking. Former Boca Juniors manager Gustavo Alfaro is the head coach of the South American side.
Venue & Timings
The inaugural match of the Football World Cup will be played at the 60,000 seater Al Bayt Stadium. The match will begin at 9:30 PM IST and lineups of both the teams will be available at 8:30 PM IST.
Expected Lineups
Qatar Starting XI: M. Barsham (GK), I. Mohammad, B. Al Rawi, B. Khoukhi, A. Hassan, H. Ahmed, A. Hatem, K. Boudiaf, H. Al Haydos (C), A. Afif, A. Ali
Ecuador Starting XI: A. Dominguez (GK), B. Castillo, P. Hincapie, X. Arreaga, P. Estupinan, M. Caicedo, G. Plata, R. Ibarra, M. Estrada, E. Valencia (C), J. Cifuentes
Star Players
A Afif (Qatar): Winner of 2019 Asian Footballer of the Year award, the 26-year old winger is the best player in the current Qatar squad. Ideally a left winger, Afif can operate on either wing and is renowned for his explosive pace. In 89 senior appearances for Qatar, Afif has scored 26 goals and registered 16 assists.
M. Caicedo (Ecuador): The 21-year old Brighton midfielder is the glue that holds the entire La Tri team together. A real work horse and engine box-to-box midfielder, Caicedo also managed to score 2 goals in 25 matches for his national team. If Qatar hopes to win the match, then neutralising Caicedo would be the focal point of their team meetings.
Qatar vs Ecuador Suggested Fantasy Teams
Team 1
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Team 3:
It’s now time for you to join the exciting fantasy football action on MyTeam11. Create your fantasy teams on MyTeam11 in the upcoming Football World Cup and stand a chance to earn big cash prizes. Users can also take advantage of the ongoing Football World Cup Carnival Offer on MyTeam11. So, stop waiting and START PLAYING!
