Qatar vs Ecuador Prediction, Free Betting Tips & Odds

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Date: 20th November 2022
Kick-Off: 16:00 UK, 17:00 CET
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
TV: BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website

The odds are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change. 

The FIFA 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar, will kick off the campaign against Ecuador on Sunday, 20th November. The hosts hope they can start off with a win in this second meeting with Ecuador. Qatar and Ecuador met once previously, in a friendly that Qatar won 4-3. Read this preview to bet on our free Qatar vs Ecuador predictions.

Qatar vs Ecuador World Cup Predictions and Top Betting Tips by Football Ground Guide

The footballing world will come to a standstill as Qatar takes on the challenge of Ecuador in the opening fixture of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The hosts impressed in their warmup matches against Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and in the latest clash, a win over Albania. Ecuador on the other hand hasn't lost in six games ahead of the World Cup, They have 6 clean sheets from the six games of 2W and 4 barren draws.

Match Result Prediction: Ecuador to Win

Despite Qatar's home advantage, it is Ecuador who is the favourite to triumph in the opening fixture. The fate of this meeting will not be as simple given the inconsistent displays from both sides. A string of draws from each side casts further doubt about their abilities. It is the visitors who have impressed with wins over Cape Verde and Nigeria as they arrive on a six-match winning streak. However, in their one and only duel with the Maroons, they were humbled 4-3 in Doha. In spite of this, the Tricolors have the form and personnel and solid defence to help them get over the line against the World Cup hosts.

Anytime Goalscorer Prediction: Akram Afif

Enner Valencia has been alighting the Turkish Süper Lig in Fenerbahce. His efforts have allowed the Yellow Canaries to contend for the title after spending the recent campaigns out of the title race. However, it will be Akram Afif upon whom all eyes will be set. Afif shone in the last duel between these sides with a hat trick in a winning cause. He has been in devastating form for Al Sadd scoring 16 goals and laying down 19 assists for the reigning QSL champions. He has an intricate knowledge of the stadiums and as the focal point of the Maroons, should get on the scoreboard.

Correct Score Prediction: 1-2 to Ecuador

Based on the current form, it is the Tricolors have the attacking potency to get over the line. Enner Valencia and Michael Estrada will be leading the lines and should cause enough problems for the Qatari defence which should allow the rest of the unit to trouble the scorers. Akram Afif and co. will not let up, and should have enough in the tank to get on the scoreboard. Qatar's four-match winning run ahead of their World Cup opener is a reason to back the hosts to score in this game.

Qatar vs Ecuador World Cup Fixture Preview: Will Qatar get off to a winning start?

Qatar Preview and 2022 World Squad

Felix Sanchez is in his fifth year with the Qatar national teams and he will be in the crosshairs of world media on opening night. The Maroons have impressed across the pitch but consistency remains a problem. They were exposed by Croatia U23, suffering a 3-0 defeat. The following loss against Canada further exacerbated their problems. They did turn a new page against Chile and the home fans will hope for a similar performance from them. All eyes will be on Akram Afif, who is emerging as the heir apparent to Mansour Muftah and taking on the mantle of Qatar's greatest player. Qatar head to the World Cup with four wins in a row. They have 3 clean sheets victories from the last four games.

Qatar head coach, Felix Sanchez has named a 26-man 2o22 World Cup squad.

Qatar Predicted World Cup Lineup against Ecuador

Saad Al Sheeb, Boualem Khoukhi, Bassam Al-Rawi, Aldekarim Hassan, Pedro Miguel, Abdelaziz Hatem, Hassan Al Heidos, Karium Boudiaf, Homam Ahmed, Akram Afif, and Almoez Ali.

Ecuador Preview and World 2022 Cup Squad

Given all the controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup, Ecuador will have strong support going into this match. They have forced their way to the footballing extravaganza in their three yearlong qualifying campaign and have the squad to impress. Enner Valencia has had a new lease of life with Fenerbahce and arrives on a hot scoring streak. With Jhojan Julio pulling the strings from the centre of the pitch, they will look to impose themselves rather than staying back. However, despite these factors, they will be mindful of the hosts, who came out on top in the seven-goal thriller of their one-and-only encounter.

Ecuador's head coach, Gustavo Alfaro has named a 26-man World Cup 2022 squad and here is how we think they are likely to lineup against Qatar:

Ecuador Predicted World Cup Lineup against Qatar

Alexander Dominquez, Pervis Estupinan, Piero Hincapie, Felix Torres, Angelo Preciado, Moises Caicedo, Carlos Gruezo, Enner Valencia, Angel Mena, Gonzalo Plata, and Micahel Estrada.

FAQs about Qatar vs Ecuador World Cup Fixture

Here you will find the latest head-t0-head record between the two teams, their recent results and the latest markets and odds.

Qatar vs Ecuador – Q&A

What was the score when these two teams last met?
Qatar managed the bragging rights in a 4-3 result in October 2018.

Who is the favourite to win this game?
Visiting Ecuador are the bookmakers' favourite to claim the three points on offer.

Who are the top scorers in each team?
Almoez Ali (Qatar – 39) and Enner Valencia (Ecuador – 35)