The opening day of World Cup action is finally here and we’ve got a standalone fixture with host nation Qatar kicking things off against Ecuador in what shapes as a pivotal match in a very volatile Group A.
Betseeker will have picks for all 64 games of the tournament, check back daily for all your free FIFA world cup 2022 tips
Best Bet
A stark contrast of styles here as Ecuador’s stingy defence comes up against Qatar’s attacking flair, with both sides showing weakness at the other end of the pitch.
Historically, you may as well throw out the form guide for World Cup openers as both sides go all out to raise tournament curtain.
The last four World Cup opening matches have produced an average of 4.25 goals per game but it looks like these sides could buck that trend.
Ecuador have drawn 0-0 in four of their last six matches, with the other two being 1-0 wins while Qatar come in with only two goals in their last three games, including a 3-0 loss to Croatia’s U23 side.
On pure talent and tactics, Ecuador have the edge but Qatar have history on their side. Since home countries began playing the opening match of the World Cup, the host team has never lost.
Hard to judge whether these sides will play true to form and fight out a tight battle or rise to the occasion of the opening match but the true contrast in style should see both sides struggle to find their rhythm and play out a stalemate.
Value Bet
If this match does follow the high scoring trend of previous World Cup opening matches it will be because of one man, Almoez Ali.
The only man in football history to score in three confederation finals with goals in the 2019 Copa America, 2019 Asian Cup and 2021 Gold Cup.
Ali was the top scorer in the latter two tournaments, breaking the record for most goals ever by a player (9) in an Asian Cup campaign.
Ali loves a tournament and will relish the big stage in front of the home crowd. Best chance on the park to find the back of the net and worth a play at the $13.75 for two or more.
