Being the hosts of the tournament, Qatar has the luxury of kicking off the World Cup against Ecuador. Qatar, the smallest nation to ever host the tournament will be eager to show the world that it was the correct decision to play the games in November and December for the first time ever!
Qatar come into the tournament unbeaten in their last 5 games (4W, 1D) including a somewhat impressive 2-2 draw vs Chile. Since then, the hosts have won 4, keeping 3 clean sheets.
As for Ecuador, it’s been a tough 2022 for the South American side, playing 10 games during the year winning only twice. A major concern for manager Gustavo Alfaro is his sides inability to score more than once in any of those games with 4 of the last 5 finishing 0-0. Although, the quality Ecuador have in the final third makes them edge this one for me.
With Netherlands being the hot favourites to top the group, it’s a battle for these two for 2nd place with AFCON winners Senegal also competing in Group A.
It’s a must win game for both countries with the next two fixtures looking like a daunting prospect. I don’t expect to see many goals in this one with under 2.5 goals at 40/85 (BV) looking like the bet of the game.
Score Prediction: 0-1
Bet Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals – 40/85
