World Cup match review: Qatar vs. Ecuador

After years of anticipation and preparation, Qatar's inaugural World Cup match did not go to plan. They became the first ever host nation to lose their opening match, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador. 

Ecuador captain Enner Valencia had a good game up top, scoring a first half brace. He had a goal controversially ruled out due to offsides after just three minutes, but was brought down by Qatari goalkeeper Saad Al-Sheeb not long after, and scored the penalty. He added another goal with an extremely well-placed header later in the half. Besides his goals, Valencia was a constant thorn in the sides of Qatar's defenders, holding up the ball well and drawing four fouls and winning eight of his 11 ground duels.

Ecuador had a lot of success attacking down the wings, quickly getting the ball wide upon winning possession. Their fullbacks were particularly impressive, holding the width by staying near the touchlines. By sending the fullbacks on overlapping runs to support the wingers, Ecuador was able to create wide overloads and isolate Qatar's wingbacks. Pervis Estupinan on the left was a constant creative outlet, making 11 passes into the final third to progress attacks. On the right, it was Angelo Preciado's cross that Valencia headed home for Ecuador's second goal. Los Angeles FC's Jhegson Mendez controlled the midfield for Ecuador, completing an astonishing 75 of his 76 passes. 

Qatar looked like a side that was lacking in confidence, exemplified by the performance of their goalkeeper. Al-Sheeb looked shaky coming out to collect crosses, including the one that led to the eventually disallowed early goal. His hesitation coming off his line allowed Valencia to go around him and draw the penalty.

One of the few bright spots for Qatar was the performance of experienced defender Abdelkarim Hassan. Playing as the left-sided center back, he won all six of his duels and had more success playing the ball out of the back than his compatriots did. He completed six of his eight long passes, and generally looked comfortable on the ball. This was in sharp contrast to the majority of the team, who always seemed a step slow with the ball at their feet. Qatar often took an extra touch in possession, allowing themselves to be closed down by Ecuadorian defenders before they could find a forward pass.

Qatar's biggest chance came towards the end of the first half, when captain Hassan Al-Haydos found Almoez Ali in the box, but typically clinical striker mistimed his jump and sent his header well wide.

The match lacked any real sort of fluidity, constantly being interrupted by fouls. 30 fouls were whistled in total, and six yellow cards were issued. The teams combined for only 11 total shots, the fewest in any World Cup match since 1966. Qatar's key creator Akram Afif was visibly frustrated, and found himself dropping deeper and deeper as the game went on, trying to get more involved as the Qatari midfield struggled to progress the ball.

Qatar will need to regroup quickly in order to avoid being just the second host to be eliminated in the group stage after South Africa in 2010. However, that will be a tough task with Senegal and Netherlands both heavily favored.

World Cup player profile: Netherlands' Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo has been one of the most in-form players in the entire world this season. The PSV star has amassed an incredible 13 goals and 17 assists in just 24 games across all competitions. He leads the Eredivisie in goals (9), assists (12), and chances created (59). He is among the top two percent of wingers in the league in shots on target and shot-creating actions, and also ranks highly in progressive passes received (top ten percent) and fouls drawn (top twenty percent).

An incredibly tricky dribbler, Gakpo should be one of the most entertaining players to watch in Qatar. A natural winger, he thrives when cutting in from the left and curling shots towards the far post with his right foot. However, he will likely play a more central role at the World Cup. Louis van Gaal has recently used him as a number ten, roaming in behind the two strikers. With star man Memphis Depay likely to miss the opening game against Senegal, Gakpo could be deployed as one of the forwards.

Gakpo has exceptional technique and a creative mind, but also possesses the physical strength to ride challenges and battle with tough defenders, as well as the explosiveness to run by them. He can be a threat as a set-piece taker, and is dangerous when shooting from long range. He also seems to be maturing quickly, making smarter decisions on the ball this season and captaining PSV frequently.

Whether it's as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, Gakpo should play an integral role in the Dutch attack in Qatar. His creativity, technique, athleticism and finishing ability make him an incredibly difficult player to defend. He is in exceptional form and is rapidly improving. With clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Arsenal interested, the World Cup could give him the platform to rise into global stardom.

World Cup player profile: USA's Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams made the move to England to play for Leeds after being left on the outside looking in at RB Leipzig over the summer. However, he has quickly found his footing in the Premier League, and has been one of the top defensive midfielders in the division this season.

Adams is relentless when it comes to pressing the opposition's midfield and winning the ball back for his side. He ranks in the top five percent of Premier League midfielders in tackles won, and is in the top 15 percent in ball recoveries. An underrated aspect of his game is his passing ability. Though he frequently plays simple passes to recycle possession to his teammates, he does have the ability to break defensive lines when required. He ranks in the top 25 percent of Premier League midfielders in progressive passes this season.

Adams brings an incredible balance to the United States midfield, allowing players like Yunus Musah and Weston McKennie to be more adventurous in front of him. He is also excellent at recovering in wide positions, particularly for high-flying fullbacks. In the national side, his presence allows Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest to support the attack without leaving the team vulnerable to counters.

The 23 year old has already made more than 30 appearances for the United States, and will captain the side in Qatar. While he isn't the flashiest American player, he is certainly one of the most important.

World Cup player profile: Iran's Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi has been dominant since moving from Portugal from distinguished Iranian side Persepolis. In his first season in Europe with Rio Ave, he scored 18 goals, earning a move the next summer to Porto after finishing as the joint-top scorer in the Primeira Liga. His first season with the European giants saw him post 18 goals and 11 assists. He followed that up with 22 goals and 14 assists last season, and has picked up where he left off with 13 goals and eight assists in his first 19 games this season. He has performed on big stages as well, with only Kylian Mbappe and Mohamed Salah scoring more than his five goals in the Champions League so far.

With the versatility to be deployed as a lone striker, behind the center forward, or out wide, Taremi can be dangerous from a variety of positions. He typically plays from the left hand side for Team Melli, often arriving in the box late to get on the end of crosses at the back post. He is physically imposing enough to battle with big defenders and win aerial battles, but also has great technique with the ball at his feet. Capable of the spectacular, his bicycle kick in the Champions League against Chelsea in 2021 was nominated as one of the three finalists for the prestigious Puskas Award, given annually to the best goal in the world. 

Taremi has drawn the attention of numerous high-profile clubs, including Arsenal, who he was offered to in January of 2022. The 30 year old is in the prime of his career, and will be key to Iran's attack, whether he is creating the chances for others or finishing them himself.

World Cup player profile: Ecuador's Jeremy Sarmiento

Jeremy Sarmiento was born in Madrid and moved to England as a young boy before leaving for Portugal to join the Benfica academy. After playing for English youth national teams, he elected to represent his parents' home country of Ecuador on the international stage. He was included in La Tri's World Cup squad despite playing just eight minutes of Premier League football for Brighton this season.At just 20 years old, Sarmiento has gained nine Ecuadorian caps thus far, just one fewer appearance than his senior team total on the club stage. He could very well be one of Ecuador's key players in the future, if not now.

Though he may be raw, Sarmiento possesses the speed and technical ability to become a major creative force. He typically plays as a winger in order to utilize his dribbling skills, but can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder. With the natural ability to impact games as a substitute, the World Cup could provide him with a chance to break through to a bigger stage.