THE start to the tournament was covered in VAR controversy as the system created a lot of issues. Ernner Valencia should have had the World Cup’s first hat-trick. His goals in the 16th and 31st (penalty) sealed the points for Ecuador against hosts Qatar in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup on Sunday.
In the 3rd minute, Valencia goal was ruled offside by VAR. An amazing decision because it seemed so good. VAR said that the assist provided by Felix Torres was not valid as another player Michael Estrada was offside when the ball was lofted.
I was looking for an image from the game but all we saw was a virtual image and not the actual picture of the offside as before. The opportunity for a goal came due to an error from the Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb who came for the ball but messed it up. It was argued his foot was just offside- that one is hard to swallow. I am hoping poor decisions do not disturb this World Cup.
The game itself was a difficult one to watch as it was extremely boring. Qatar was out of depth and looked more like a schoolboy side than an international one. They were clueless, out of touch, thoughtless and ridiculous. Ecuador has missed a chance to have a significant positive goal difference and the other teams will not be so generous.
After more than four years of waiting, this was a very disappointing match.
World Cup 2022: Boring Opening Game
By Gerald Lutchman
THE start to the tournament was covered in VAR controversy as the system created a lot of issues. Ernner Valencia should have had the World Cup’s first hat-trick. His goals in the 16th and 31st (penalty) sealed the points for Ecuador against hosts Qatar in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup on Sunday.
In the 3rd minute, Valencia goal was ruled offside by VAR. An amazing decision because it seemed so good. VAR said that the assist provided by Felix Torres was not valid as another player Michael Estrada was offside when the ball was lofted.
I was looking for an image from the game but all we saw was a virtual image and not the actual picture of the offside as before. The opportunity for a goal came due to an error from the Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb who came for the ball but messed it up. It was argued his foot was just offside- that one is hard to swallow. I am hoping poor decisions do not disturb this World Cup.
The game itself was a difficult one to watch as it was extremely boring. Qatar was out of depth and looked more like a schoolboy side than an international one. They were clueless, out of touch, thoughtless and ridiculous. Ecuador has missed a chance to have a significant positive goal difference and the other teams will not be so generous.
After more than four years of waiting, this was a very disappointing match.