The Guardian (Nigeria)

Qatar Vs Ecuador Clash Flags Off 2022 FIFA World Cup On Dstv, Gotv

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HOST country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar, will take on Ecuador for the opening match of the biggest football tournament at the Al Bayt Stadium today evening.

The match, which will be broadcast live on World Cup Central channel ( Dstv channel 202 and Gotv channel 31) at 5: 00pm, will kick- off a 64game tournament comprising 32 teams from six continents of the world.

In the last 21 editions of the tournament, the host countries have managed to avoid a loss. The Maroons of Qatar, who are making their debut in the tournament, will be under pressure to maintain that record and become part of that elite group.

Led by renowned coach, Felix Sanchez, the Maroons hope to make a statement against the more seasoned Ecuadorian national team that is participat­ing in the tournament for the fourth time. But, Gusta vo Alvaro’s men will be no pushover , as

they have kept six consecu - tive clean sheets since they held Argentina to a 1- 1 standoff in March.

The other teams in Group A, Senegal and The Netherland­s, will take on each other the following day at the Al Thumama Stadium, Al Khor. The Netherland­s, under the tutelage of veteran manager, Louis Van Gaal, is considered one of the tournament’s favourites.

Having failed to qualify for the last edition, the Dutch national team will be keen to remedy that blip in their World Cup history and put the disappoint­ment of the past behind them as they roll out their campaign to possibly lift the coveted trophy for the first time.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal, on the other hand, are the reigning African champions and they are tipped as tournament dark horses because of their talented squad. Their tie with the Dutch nationals will be broadcast live on World Cup Central channel ( Dstv channel 202 and Gotv channel 31) at 5: 00pm.

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