'It was a TERRIBLE start': Qatar boss Felix Sanchez blasts his own team as the hosts slump to a 2-0 defeat against Ecuador in their World Cup opener - as he admits there is 'no excuse' for their limp performance
- Felix Sanchez criticised his own side's 'terrible start' in their World Cup opener
- Qatar were defeated 2-0 by Ecuador in their 2022 World Cup curtain-raiser
- Concerns were also raised as masses of fans departed the stadium at half-time
- The Qatar boss was questioned on the issue after the game but brushed it off
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez did not hold back in his assessment of his side after their disappointing 2-0 defeat against Ecuador on the World Cup's opening night.
The Al Bayt Stadium had been a riot of noise and colour during the opening ceremony and even during the first half but Enner Valencia's double within half an hour clearly punctured the enthusiasm of the home fans.
And Spanish boss Sanchez insisted there is 'no excuse' for Qatar's 'terrible start' - which set the tone for the match and, potentially, their tournament.
![Felix Sanchez (pictured) has criticised his Qatar side's performance after a 2-0 loss to Ecuador](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/20/19/64751449-0-image-a-24_1668973110290.jpg)
Felix Sanchez (pictured) has criticised his Qatar side's performance after a 2-0 loss to Ecuador
![Sanchez admitted after the game that there was 'no excuse' for his side's 'terrible start'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/20/19/64751399-0-image-a-26_1668973122914.jpg)
Sanchez admitted after the game that there was 'no excuse' for his side's 'terrible start'
![Masses of home fans departed the stadium at half-time after a poor first-half performance](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/20/19/64751467-0-image-a-23_1668973106917.jpg)
Masses of home fans departed the stadium at half-time after a poor first-half performance
He said: 'There's no excuse, we want to congratulate our opponents, they deserved to win.
'There is a lot of room for improvement. Maybe the responsibility and nerves got the best of us. We didn't start well. It was a terrible start actually.'
Qatar survived an early scare when semi-automated offside technology was deployed right at the start of the tournament to disallow a Valencia header for a marginal call against his strike partner Michael Estrada.
But Ecuador regrouped and were two goals clear by the half-hour point as first Valencia rolled home a penalty after he was tripped by Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.
![Enner Valencia (pictured) was the hero for Ecuador, scoring twice to earn his side the win](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/20/19/64751515-0-image-a-27_1668973156224.jpg)
Enner Valencia (pictured) was the hero for Ecuador, scoring twice to earn his side the win
![Valencia netted a well-timed header to double the South American side's lead after a penalty](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/20/19/64751519-0-image-a-29_1668974066750.jpg)
Valencia netted a well-timed header to double the South American side's lead after a penalty
The former West Ham and Everton man then applied a precision header to full-back Angelo Preciado's right-wing cross.
With 10 minutes to go the stadium was virtually empty, with a mass exodus of fans dampening the atmosphere.
And Sanchez, speaking through an interpreter, added: 'Truth be told, I have enough work to do to take a look at it.
'We felt backed and supported and we hope for the next game, people will feel prouder and keep supporting us to the end of the tournament. The atmosphere was great, people were very much looking forward to this game.
'We knew (a defeat) could happen and the result can sometimes be difficult. We will try to learn from today and I'm completely sure we will make people feel more happy with our performance.'
![Qatar fans were also equally as incensed by the showing with many leaving before full-time](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/20/19/64751415-0-image-a-25_1668973120107.jpg)
Qatar fans were also equally as incensed by the showing with many leaving before full-time
Ecuador's Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro was impressed by his side's response to the early disallowed goal, saying: 'The VAR decision had an impact. That changed our mood, but still we persevered. The players asked me while the check was taking place, 'what's happening?'
'I lost sight of what was happening but my colleagues saw the video. Michael Estrada needs to do something about his fingernails and his toenails, because it was very tight.'
Valencia limped off before the end, and stated he had picked up knee and ankle problems. However, Alfaro was adamant he would be fit to face the Netherlands on Friday, and lauded the striker's contribution.
'Valencia has been going through tough times. He has been questioned in Ecuador, but now we can see what he's giving us.'
Most watched Sport videos
- Giants fans burn quarterback Daniel Jones' jersey after loss
- Montenegro fans create distraction from football with fireworks
- Las Vegas Raiders fan body slams a woman during brawl
- Awkward moment footy great can't pronounce NRL player's name
- Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announces she is pregnant
- Moment Miami Dolphin's Tyreek Hill is arrested by police
- Jason Kelce bares all with ex-Eagles teammate in revealing beer ad
- Shocking bodycam of Tyreek Hill arrest released by Miami-Dade PD
- Woman exposes NRL boyfriend for leaving her for another
- Ireland fans mock Queen's death aiming chants at England fans
- John Hunt makes a poignant return to the commentary box at Brighton
- Tyreek Hill speeds by police before cops aggressively pull him over