Let's go for the 22nd edition of the World Cup!
After the traditional opening ceremony, which mixed political speeches, a parade of mascots and a K-pop concert, Qatar lost 2-0 against Ecuador at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al-Khor for its first game in a World Cup.
Here's what to remember from Sunday, November 20.
A rather sober opening ceremony
To open its World Cup, Qatar was much more sober and modest than many imagined.
The supporters present at the Al-Bayt stadium in Al-Khor were treated to the presentation of the trophy by Marcel Desailly, before seeing a short film around the theme of the sea and dreams.
Actor Morgan Freeman then spoke with a Qatari YouTuber to praise the merits of the World Cup in Qatar.
Then, the mascots of the various Worlds, including the famous Footix of France 98, followed one another on stage to the tune of hymns such as "Waka-Waka" by Shakira or "Magic in the Air" by Magic System.
BTS's South Korean singer Jungkook also sang his new title "Dreamers" on stage with his dancers.
Footix alongside the other mascots.
Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport 2022 Icon Sport
The Emir of Qatar, Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani then delivered a speech to inaugurate the competition by welcoming the newcomers to his emirate.
The player: Enner Valencia makes an impression
After the festivities, Enner Valencia put on a show in the opening game.
The 33-year-old scored twice against Qatar.
The Fenerbahçe striker is the manager of his selection since he is the one who has scored the last five goals for Ecuador in the World Cup.
A great feat for him, who launched his selection in the best possible way in this World Cup, before the clash between Senegal and the Netherlands on Sunday (5 p.m.).
5 - Enner Valencia have scored each of Ecuador's last 5 goals in the World Cup.
Only Eusébio (Portugal 1966), Paolo Rossi (Italy 1982) and Oleg Salenko (Russia 1994) have done better for their country (6 times in a row each).
Indispensable. #coupedumonde2022 pic.twitter.com/kHhNUEAoE8
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 20, 2022
The number: 1
This is the first time in history that the host country did not win the opening match.
A rather painful jump into the deep end for Qatar.
The sentence: "We want beer!"
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The Ecuadorians present in the stands of the Al-Bayt stadium in Al-Khor sent a message to Fifa: "We want beer, we want beer", thus chanted the supporters.
As a reminder, despite the agreement of Fifa, Qatar has decided to ban the sale of alcohol near the enclosures.
La hinchada #ECU ya tiene el primer hit del #FIFAWorldCup: “Queremos cerveza, queremos cerveza” pic.twitter.com/Pk91fYLug5
— Javier Lanza (@javierlanza) November 20, 2022