Nervous Qatar ‘felt supported’ despite fan exodus in World Cup opener: Sanchez, The World Cup hosts suffered a humiliating 2-0 loss to Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match, but Qatar coach Felix Sanchez claimed that his team “felt supported” despite the fact that thousands of spectators left early. Enner Valencia’s two goals at the Al Bayt Stadium made up for Sanchez’s team’s sluggish start.
Nervous Qatar ‘felt supported’ despite fan exodus in World Cup opener: Sanchez
In the 92-year history of the competition, defeat makes Qatar the first host nation to lose their first game. Sanchez acknowledged that even though the majority of home fans left before halftime, “We have felt supported.” “I’m hoping there will be more pride in the crowd at the next game. People are aware that we are capable of more.
“The atmosphere was one of great expectation. We are sorry that we could not be part of the party, but we knew that this scenario could happen…. We will try to learn.” The scoreline could have been even worse for Qatar. Valencia had an early goal ruled out by VAR for offside before Ecuador eased off after the interval.
“Our nerves betrayed us, we started really badly,” said Sanchez. “We were unable to string together four passes in a row. Also many defensive gaps. “The team was not balanced and that hurt us a lot. When you play against a team of this level… you pay for it.” Qatar next play Senegal in Group A on Friday.