This
This is
This is the stuff of dreams.
Dear,
Dear, oh
Dear, oh dear.
Dear, oh dear. Oh, what a goal.
Absolute
Dear, oh dear. Oh, what a goal. Absolute delirium. Here we, here we,
here
Absolute delirium. Here we, here we, here we go.
here we go. It is the most
controversial
here we go. It is the most controversial World Cup in history,
but
controversial World Cup in history, but a ball hasn't even been kicked.
Ever
but a ball hasn't even been kicked. Ever since Fifa chose Qatar back in
2020,
Ever since Fifa chose Qatar back in 2020, the smallest nation to have
hosted
2020, the smallest nation to have hosted football's great as
competition
hosted football's great as competition has face and big
questions.
competition has face and big questions. From accusations of
corruption
questions. From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to
the
corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who
built
the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums, where many lost
their
built the stadiums, where many lost their lives. Homosexuality is
illegal
their lives. Homosexuality is illegal here. Women's rights and
freedom
illegal here. Women's rights and freedom of expression are in the
spotlight.
freedom of expression are in the spotlight. Also the decision six
years
spotlight. Also the decision six years ago to switch the World Cup
from
years ago to switch the World Cup from summer to winter. Against that
backdrop
from summer to winter. Against that backdrop there is a tournament to be
played,
backdrop there is a tournament to be played, one that will be watched and
enjoyed
played, one that will be watched and enjoyed around the world. Stick to
football,
enjoyed around the world. Stick to football, say Fifa. Well, we will,
for
football, say Fifa. Well, we will, for a couple of minutes at least.
The
for a couple of minutes at least. The winner to organise the 2022 Fifa
World
The winner to organise the 2022 Fifa World Cup is Qatar.
They
They think it's all over. It is now.
He
They think it's all over. It is now. He has only gone and done it.
He has only gone and done it. That
was
He has only gone and done it. That was just pure football genius. Oh,
my
was just pure football genius. Oh, my word. Have you ever seen anything
like
my word. Have you ever seen anything like that?
like that? Give it to him and pray.
Oh,
like that? Give it to him and pray. Oh, and he has done it. It is over
the
Oh, and he has done it. It is over the top. He has scored a wonderful
goal.
Qatar
Qatar is
Qatar is the first host nation since
Italy
Qatar is the first host nation since Italy in 1934 to have never
previously
Italy in 1934 to have never previously appeared at the final.
The
previously appeared at the final. The tournament hosts have never lost
their
The tournament hosts have never lost their opening game at a World Cup.
Qatar,
their opening game at a World Cup. Qatar, the reigning Asian champions,
kick
Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, kick off against South American
qualifiers
kick off against South American qualifiers Ecuador, who have kept
six
qualifiers Ecuador, who have kept six consecutive clean sheets in
their
six consecutive clean sheets in their warm up matches. Four of those
games
their warm up matches. Four of those games finished 0-0. Even the opening
game
games finished 0-0. Even the opening game has been controversial.
Initially
game has been controversial. Initially meant to be played
tomorrow
Initially meant to be played tomorrow it was brought forward a
day
tomorrow it was brought forward a day just three months ago. Here is
how
day just three months ago. Here is how they line up in Group A.
The
The top
The top two in this group will face
the
The top two in this group will face the qualifiers from Group B in round
16,
the qualifiers from Group B in round 16, which includes Wales and
England.
16, which includes Wales and England. And Wales and England join
us
England. And Wales and England join us in the Al Bayt Stadium is the
opening
us in the Al Bayt Stadium is the opening ceremony joins to a close.
Allen,
opening ceremony joins to a close. Allen, Alex and Ashley. We will come
to
Allen, Alex and Ashley. We will come to the much broader conversation
surrounding
to the much broader conversation surrounding Qatar shortly, but
first,
surrounding Qatar shortly, but first, Alan, it is a winter World
Cup.
first, Alan, it is a winter World Cup. How does that feel? Weird,
really
Cup. How does that feel? Weird, really strange, considering there
was
really strange, considering there was a leaked programme only seven
days
was a leaked programme only seven days ago. But I am hoping once the
football
days ago. But I am hoping once the football gets under way it starts to
feel
football gets under way it starts to feel a bit like a World Cup and that
we
feel a bit like a World Cup and that we can sit and enjoy what hopefully
is
we can sit and enjoy what hopefully is going to be a great spectacle.
Alex,
is going to be a great spectacle. Alex, the domestic schedule has been
truncated
Alex, the domestic schedule has been truncated somewhat, players have had
to
truncated somewhat, players have had to play three games a week, more
than
to play three games a week, more than they normally do. There is
little
than they normally do. There is little time to prepare for the
coaches
little time to prepare for the coaches and their teams as well. Is
that
coaches and their teams as well. Is that unfair? I would say it is
unfair
that unfair? I would say it is unfair because international
managers
unfair because international managers don't have a lot of time
with
managers don't have a lot of time with their players as it is, so to
only
with their players as it is, so to only give them a week to prepare
tactics
only give them a week to prepare tactics and everything you want to
get
tactics and everything you want to get across in a World Cup is really
unfair.
get across in a World Cup is really unfair. When you look at some of the
squad
unfair. When you look at some of the squad that is what it comes down to,
selection,
squad that is what it comes down to, selection, players who you know can
already
selection, players who you know can already hit the ground running. Will
it
already hit the ground running. Will it affect the quality of the
football
it affect the quality of the football we see? We are used to
seeing
football we see? We are used to seeing these tournaments at the end
of
seeing these tournaments at the end of the season when fatigue is an
issue
of the season when fatigue is an issue and we will not have that in
this
issue and we will not have that in this one. The players should be fit
and
this one. The players should be fit and sharp. I am expecting to see
good
and sharp. I am expecting to see good football, entertaining
football,
good football, entertaining football, and teams that can go the
whole
football, and teams that can go the whole distance. Focusing on the home
nations,
whole distance. Focusing on the home nations, England four and a half
years
nations, England four and a half years ago got to the semifinals and
16
years ago got to the semifinals and 16 months ago they got to the final
of
16 months ago they got to the final of the Euros. Can they make that
extra
of the Euros. Can they make that extra step? I certainly hope so. I
have
extra step? I certainly hope so. I have my doubts. Defensively is my
concern.
have my doubts. Defensively is my concern. In the middle of the park,
midfield
concern. In the middle of the park, midfield and up front we are as good
as
midfield and up front we are as good as most. But once you go on to the
latter
as most. But once you go on to the latter stage, and I hope England can
do
latter stage, and I hope England can do that, then I think we might
suffer
do that, then I think we might suffer defensively. I think
defensively,
suffer defensively. I think defensively, like you highlighted,
and
defensively, like you highlighted, and everyone has been speaking about
England's
and everyone has been speaking about England's defence, when we look at
the
England's defence, when we look at the opening game, will Gareth
Southgate
the opening game, will Gareth Southgate be more pragmatic? You
don't
Southgate be more pragmatic? You don't want to go all out attack and
leave
don't want to go all out attack and leave our defence exposed and maybe
bring
leave our defence exposed and maybe bring on the attackers later on in
the
bring on the attackers later on in the game. You don't know because if
England
the game. You don't know because if England win the first game it is the
snowball
England win the first game it is the snowball effect. People talk about
form
snowball effect. People talk about form going into a tournament, but
international
form going into a tournament, but international form is different
because
international form is different because you don't train for months
before
because you don't train for months before the competition. Absolutely
and
before the competition. Absolutely and I know about form because of
going
and I know about form because of going into Euro 96 not having scored
for
going into Euro 96 not having scored for England for two years, although
I
for England for two years, although I was scoring for Blackburn. You
captained
I was scoring for Blackburn. You captained Wales in their first major
tournament,
captained Wales in their first major tournament, the Euros. Since 1958
this
tournament, the Euros. Since 1958 this is the first time Wales have
come
this is the first time Wales have come to a World Cup since 1958. What
does
come to a World Cup since 1958. What does that mean? It is absolutely
massive
does that mean? It is absolutely massive for the nation. I think
everyone
massive for the nation. I think everyone is so proud. Every time
Robert
everyone is so proud. Every time Robert Page speaks to the media, you
can
Robert Page speaks to the media, you can see the pride seeping out of him
and
can see the pride seeping out of him and what they have achieved. The
ones
and what they have achieved. The ones at home will be supporting it.
They
ones at home will be supporting it. They are definitely going to enjoy
this.
They are definitely going to enjoy this. It has been such a long wait.
Briefly,
this. It has been such a long wait. Briefly, who will win it? I will go
for
Briefly, who will win it? I will go for Brazil, but I would love to see
Messi
for Brazil, but I would love to see Messi lift the trophy. I think they
have
Messi lift the trophy. I think they have flair players and a mix of
youth
have flair players and a mix of youth and experience, it is Brazil.
Argentina
youth and experience, it is Brazil. Argentina for me. For Lionel Messi
that
Argentina for me. For Lionel Messi that would put to bed that debate,
him
that would put to bed that debate, him and Maradona and it would be
him.
him and Maradona and it would be him. That debate will always go on.
It
him. That debate will always go on. It is 20 years since South America
won
It is 20 years since South America won the competition when Brazil won
in
won the competition when Brazil won in 2002. Qatar has had 12 years to
prepare
in 2002. Qatar has had 12 years to prepare for this day and spent
almost
prepare for this day and spent almost £200 million to get here, but
the
almost £200 million to get here, but the first Arab country to host the
World
the first Arab country to host the World Cup has found itself having to
defend
World Cup has found itself having to defend its record on human rights
and
defend its record on human rights and also the environmental impact of
hosting
and also the environmental impact of hosting the world's biggest sporting
event
hosting the world's biggest sporting event in a desert climate. Ross
Atkins
event in a desert climate. Ross Atkins has the story. When Qatar won
the
Atkins has the story. When Qatar won the right to host this World Cup it
made
the right to host this World Cup it made a promise. We will make sure
that
made a promise. We will make sure that this is a milestone in the
history
that this is a milestone in the history of the Middle East and a
milestone
history of the Middle East and a milestone for Fifa. The questions
remain
milestone for Fifa. The questions remain about this tiny Gulf state
being
remain about this tiny Gulf state being the host. Questions about
human
being the host. Questions about human rights, the environment, and
how
human rights, the environment, and how Fifa reached this moment. Qatar.
That
how Fifa reached this moment. Qatar. That choice was made by Fifa's
executive
That choice was made by Fifa's executive committee. But even before
the
executive committee. But even before the vote there were issues. Team
members
the vote there were issues. Team members were suspended over
allegations
members were suspended over allegations they had offered to sell
their
allegations they had offered to sell their votes. Since the decision a
whistle-blower
their votes. Since the decision a whistle-blower has alleged three
members
whistle-blower has alleged three members were offered cash for votes
by
members were offered cash for votes by Qatar and US prosecutors have
alleged
by Qatar and US prosecutors have alleged two and other officials were
offered
alleged two and other officials were offered and received bribe payments
to
offered and received bribe payments to vote for Qatar. The Fifa
officials
to vote for Qatar. The Fifa officials involved and Qatar have
always
officials involved and Qatar have always denied the allegations and a
Fifa
always denied the allegations and a Fifa inquiry concluded votes were
not
Fifa inquiry concluded votes were not sold. But it also found
potentially
not sold. But it also found potentially problematic conduct of
specific
potentially problematic conduct of specific individuals as part of
Quatar's
specific individuals as part of Quatar's bed. What we can be sure of
is
Quatar's bed. What we can be sure of is most of the committee that took
this
is most of the committee that took this decision have since been
accused,
this decision have since been accused, banned or indicted over
allegations
accused, banned or indicted over allegations of corruption or
wrongdoing.
allegations of corruption or wrongdoing. And once the decision
was
wrongdoing. And once the decision was made, vast construction project
began.
was made, vast construction project began. Transport, hotels and
stadium.
began. Transport, hotels and stadium. Seven new ones were built,
hundreds
stadium. Seven new ones were built, hundreds of thousands of foreign
workers,
hundreds of thousands of foreign workers, mostly from South Asia,
were
workers, mostly from South Asia, were hired. There have long been
concerns
were hired. There have long been concerns about the treatment.
Workers
concerns about the treatment. Workers were exposed to a whole
range
Workers were exposed to a whole range of different forms of
exploitation,
range of different forms of exploitation, including having their
passports
exploitation, including having their passports confiscated, living in
squalid
passports confiscated, living in squalid accommodation and in some
case
squalid accommodation and in some case it amounted to forced labour.
Qatar
case it amounted to forced labour. Qatar has told the BBC it has
improved
Qatar has told the BBC it has improved conditions. The work that
has
improved conditions. The work that has been done by the government in
terms
has been done by the government in terms of labour reform with the
World
terms of labour reform with the World Cup has accelerated the issue,
it
World Cup has accelerated the issue, it was a catalyst for change. There
have
it was a catalyst for change. There have been reforms and Human Rights
Watch
have been reforms and Human Rights Watch calls them significant, but it
also
Watch calls them significant, but it also highlights ongoing wage abuse
and
also highlights ongoing wage abuse and exorbitant recruitment fees.
There
and exorbitant recruitment fees. There are also widely shared claims
that
There are also widely shared claims that thousands of workers died
building
that thousands of workers died building this World Cup. That is not
supported
building this World Cup. That is not supported by available evidence,
though
supported by available evidence, though establishing the number of
deaths
though establishing the number of deaths is hard. Qatar says there
have
deaths is hard. Qatar says there have been three work-related deaths
on
have been three work-related deaths on World Cup sites. The UN's
International
on World Cup sites. The UN's International Labour Organisation
says
International Labour Organisation says that is an underestimate. It
also
says that is an underestimate. It also says there were 50 work-related
deaths
also says there were 50 work-related deaths in 2020 in Qatar as a whole
and
deaths in 2020 in Qatar as a whole and that most of them were migrant
construction
and that most of them were migrant construction workers. But they
acknowledge
construction workers. But they acknowledge the limits to this data.
It
acknowledge the limits to this data. It has called on Qatar to improve
how
It has called on Qatar to improve how it records deaths, in particular
related
how it records deaths, in particular related to heatstroke. There is also
the
related to heatstroke. There is also the environmental impact of this
World
the environmental impact of this World Cup. It is our World Cup and
we
World Cup. It is our World Cup and we have to set an example in
sustainability
we have to set an example in sustainability and what can be
achieved.
sustainability and what can be achieved. I have never seen anything
like
achieved. I have never seen anything like this before. Certainly we have
never
like this before. Certainly we have never seen a World Cup with a carbon
footprint
never seen a World Cup with a carbon footprint like this before. Those
new
footprint like this before. Those new stadiums, hotels and new Metro
system,
new stadiums, hotels and new Metro system, millions of people flying
in,
system, millions of people flying in, it all comes at a cost. This is
a
in, it all comes at a cost. This is a Fifa's emissions estimate for the
last
a Fifa's emissions estimate for the last World Cup in Russia. It
estimates
last World Cup in Russia. It estimates that Qatar is higher. One
UK
estimates that Qatar is higher. One UK university says it is likely to
be
UK university says it is likely to be much higher than that. Despite
this,
be much higher than that. Despite this, Qatar is making this claim.
Examples
this, Qatar is making this claim. Examples of the work we are doing
include
Examples of the work we are doing include organising a fully carbon
neutral
include organising a fully carbon neutral World Cup. That is based on
offsetting
neutral World Cup. That is based on offsetting emissions and this
leading
offsetting emissions and this leading climate scientist is not
convinced.
leading climate scientist is not convinced. The idea that they have
somehow
convinced. The idea that they have somehow made it green buy cheap,
nasty
somehow made it green buy cheap, nasty so-called offsets that do not
undo
nasty so-called offsets that do not undo the damage from the emissions,
to
undo the damage from the emissions, to become carbon neutral, that does
not
to become carbon neutral, that does not stack up. There is one more
issue
not stack up. There is one more issue as well. LGBT rights. This is
the
issue as well. LGBT rights. This is the message to fans. We welcome
everybody,
the message to fans. We welcome everybody, but also we expect and we
want
everybody, but also we expect and we want people to respect our culture.
And
want people to respect our culture. And there is concern about what that
means
And there is concern about what that means because homosexuality is
illegal
means because homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. This month a
Qatari
illegal in Qatar. This month a Qatari World Cup ambassador
described
Qatari World Cup ambassador described homosexuality as damage in
the
described homosexuality as damage in the mind. According to Human Rights
Watch
the mind. According to Human Rights Watch this year LGBT people have
been
Watch this year LGBT people have been arrested, and beaten. And as we
consider
been arrested, and beaten. And as we consider all of these concerns,
let's
consider all of these concerns, let's remember where the last World
Cup
let's remember where the last World Cup was. Russia, after Vladimir
Putin
Cup was. Russia, after Vladimir Putin had already annexed Crimea
from
Putin had already annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Sporting events often
come
from Ukraine. Sporting events often come with political tensions and
compromises,
come with political tensions and compromises, as well as that, as the
former
compromises, as well as that, as the former Fifa boss Sepp Blatter said
on
former Fifa boss Sepp Blatter said on the decision to choose Qatar, of
course
on the decision to choose Qatar, of course it was all about money and
that
course it was all about money and that is something Qatar has a lot
of.
that is something Qatar has a lot of. This is how much was spent on
each
of. This is how much was spent on each World Cup since 1990. This is
what
each World Cup since 1990. This is what Qatar has spent. After that
kind
what Qatar has spent. After that kind of investment this is a Fifa's
message.
kind of investment this is a Fifa's message. Everything is ready and
everyone
message. Everything is ready and everyone is welcome. In a letter to
the
everyone is welcome. In a letter to the teams Gianni Infantino has
written,
the teams Gianni Infantino has written, we know football does not
live
written, we know football does not live in a vacuum, but he urged,
please,
live in a vacuum, but he urged, please, let's now focus on the
football.
please, let's now focus on the football. It is now for the fans and
players
football. It is now for the fans and players to decide to what extent
they
players to decide to what extent they are willing to do so.
This
conversation
they are willing to do so. This conversation starts with Fifa's
decision
conversation starts with Fifa's decision to award the World Cup to
Qatar
decision to award the World Cup to Qatar in 2010. We were in the room
at
Qatar in 2010. We were in the room at the time. It felt wrong at the
time.
at the time. It felt wrong at the time. Does it still feel that way?
Every
time. Does it still feel that way? Every country has its own issues,
including
Every country has its own issues, including our own country. I am not
saying
including our own country. I am not saying we are perfect, far from it,
but
saying we are perfect, far from it, but we were there in 2010 and we
were
but we were there in 2010 and we were as surprised as anyone was.
First
were as surprised as anyone was. First of all, it was announced it
was
First of all, it was announced it was a summer World Cup with
air-conditioned
was a summer World Cup with air-conditioned stadiums and fan
fests
air-conditioned stadiums and fan fests for fans, etc. Then all of a
sudden
fests for fans, etc. Then all of a sudden six years later, it is then
turned
sudden six years later, it is then turned into the winter World Cup.
Three
turned into the winter World Cup. Three months ago it is then
announced
Three months ago it is then announced the first game of the
tournament
announced the first game of the tournament was moved from one Sunday
until
tournament was moved from one Sunday until today. And 11 of those 22
members
until today. And 11 of those 22 members that had that vote for Fifa
have
members that had that vote for Fifa have either been sanctioned, fined
or
have either been sanctioned, fined or banned for life from football.
Mohammad
or banned for life from football. Mohammad bin, the man from Qatar who
was
Mohammad bin, the man from Qatar who was the chairman of the Asian
Football
was the chairman of the Asian Football Federation was banned for
life
Football Federation was banned for life also, and even Sepp Blatter has
recently
life also, and even Sepp Blatter has recently said it was a mistake. That
is
recently said it was a mistake. That is where we are with this.
It's
It's a
It's a different fee four. A lot of
them
It's a different fee four. A lot of them aren't involved any more? What
should
them aren't involved any more? What should they have learnt? I think
when
should they have learnt? I think when they awarded Qatar the
tournament
when they awarded Qatar the tournament there were zero
considerations
tournament there were zero considerations for human rights and
workers'
considerations for human rights and workers' rights are no
considerations
workers' rights are no considerations put in place for the
building.
considerations put in place for the building. It's been ten years before
we've
building. It's been ten years before we've seen any changes in that, to
improving
we've seen any changes in that, to improving working conditions, labour
laws,
improving working conditions, labour laws, the only positive is the
international
laws, the only positive is the international attention has led to
some
international attention has led to some sort of reform. I think it only
becomes
some sort of reform. I think it only becomes sportswashing when we don't
talk
becomes sportswashing when we don't talk about it. Qatar disputes many
of
talk about it. Qatar disputes many of the figures that have been
highlighted
of the figures that have been highlighted and Gianni Infantino
launched
highlighted and Gianni Infantino launched an extraordinary defence of
the
launched an extraordinary defence of the host nation yesterday. Today I
feel
the host nation yesterday. Today I feel gay.
feel gay. Today I feel disabled.
Today
feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker. I
know
Today I feel a migrant worker. I know what it means to be
discriminated,
know what it means to be discriminated, to be
discriminated, to be bullied, as a
foreigner
discriminated, to be bullied, as a foreigner in a foreign country. As a
child
foreigner in a foreign country. As a child at school I was bullied
because
child at school I was bullied because I had red hair. Of course
there
because I had red hair. Of course there are still things that don't
work
there are still things that don't work and need to be addressed. But
this
work and need to be addressed. But this moral lesson giving, one-sided.
It's
this moral lesson giving, one-sided. It's just hypocrisy. Well, it was an
interesting
It's just hypocrisy. Well, it was an interesting tape, shall we say. Is
it
interesting tape, shall we say. Is it hypocritical to criticise Qatar?
I
it hypocritical to criticise Qatar? I don't think I'm pointing fingers
or
I don't think I'm pointing fingers or criticising, it's me trying to
understand.
or criticising, it's me trying to understand. You've brought the World
Cup
understand. You've brought the World Cup here so I'm trying to understand
the
Cup here so I'm trying to understand the culture, understand everything
of
the culture, understand everything of what's going on. And what beefy
four
of what's going on. And what beefy four president said right there is
confusing
four president said right there is confusing and bizarre -- the Fifa
president.
confusing and bizarre -- the Fifa president. You're not a migrant
worker
president. You're not a migrant worker and you never will be. Yes
you've
worker and you never will be. Yes you've moved forward and now there's
a
you've moved forward and now there's a minimum wage in this country. £1
an
a minimum wage in this country. £1 an hour. £240 a month. Your salary
is
an hour. £240 a month. Your salary is 1.5 million a year. You will
never
is 1.5 million a year. You will never know what it's like to be a
migrant
never know what it's like to be a migrant worker and for families now
to
migrant worker and for families now to lose their loved ones just trying
to
to lose their loved ones just trying to some money, it's absolutely
bizarre.
to some money, it's absolutely bizarre. For Fifa to be a boarding
compensation
bizarre. For Fifa to be a boarding compensation for their players to be
playing
compensation for their players to be playing here is absurd that you're
not
playing here is absurd that you're not even committing to compensation
fund
not even committing to compensation fund for families. When we sit here
we
fund for families. When we sit here we are in the richest country, Fifa
are
we are in the richest country, Fifa are one of the richest organisations
in
are one of the richest organisations in football, the great Nelson
Mandela
in football, the great Nelson Mandela said, we can use sport to
change
Mandela said, we can use sport to change the world. When you can, you
can
change the world. When you can, you can push a sport forward and make
social
can push a sport forward and make social change happen. At least we
are
social change happen. At least we are here having the conversation on
the
are here having the conversation on the opening game of the World Cup.
You
the opening game of the World Cup. You know, the human rights has never
been
You know, the human rights has never been at a high level, the attention
here
been at a high level, the attention here on it and we've got a unique
opportunity
here on it and we've got a unique opportunity to have this
conversation
opportunity to have this conversation and talk about it.
There
conversation and talk about it. There are always conflicts of
interest
There are always conflicts of interest when vast amounts of money
are
interest when vast amounts of money are involved. You're constantly
asked
are involved. You're constantly asked about the association with
Newcastle,
asked about the association with Newcastle, Saudis owning the club.
It's
Newcastle, Saudis owning the club. It's not just Newcastle or just
football.
It's not just Newcastle or just football. You look at f1, boxing,
athletics,
football. You look at f1, boxing, athletics, LIV Golf. We don't get to
choose
athletics, LIV Golf. We don't get to choose whether World Cup is. Just
like
choose whether World Cup is. Just like we don't get to choose who
invests
like we don't get to choose who invests in football clubs. Do I love
the
invests in football clubs. Do I love the impact it's had on Newcastle?
Absolutely.
the impact it's had on Newcastle? Absolutely. Do I think the Saudis
and
Absolutely. Do I think the Saudis and other countries should be held
to
and other countries should be held to account over human rights?
Absolutely,
to account over human rights? Absolutely, yes. Same-sex
relationships
Absolutely, yes. Same-sex relationships are illegal here.
Qatar
relationships are illegal here. Qatar World Cup ambassador said last
week,
Qatar World Cup ambassador said last week, he described homosexuality as
damage
week, he described homosexuality as damage in the mind. A number of the
Lionesses
damage in the mind. A number of the Lionesses have expressed their
concern
Lionesses have expressed their concern about that, do you share it?
I
concern about that, do you share it? I understand their reasons as well
as
I understand their reasons as well as a whole heap of fans from around
the
as a whole heap of fans from around the world from the LGBTQ+ community
not
the world from the LGBTQ+ community not wanting to travel here. Once
again
not wanting to travel here. Once again we referenced Gianni
Infantino,
again we referenced Gianni Infantino, you are not gay, you will
never
Infantino, you are not gay, you will never understand travelling to a
country
never understand travelling to a country where you are fearing for
your
country where you are fearing for your life just because of your
preference
your life just because of your preference of who you choose to
love.
preference of who you choose to love. There's so much around this as
well,
love. There's so much around this as well, to keep saying, Gary, football
is
well, to keep saying, Gary, football is for everyone, that's what you
keep
is for everyone, that's what you keep telling us and we sit here and
it's
keep telling us and we sit here and it's not because people haven't been
able
it's not because people haven't been able to travel to support their
teams,
able to travel to support their teams, out of fear. When we sit and
have
teams, out of fear. When we sit and have conversations about, I've had
conversations
have conversations about, I've had conversations about, I should be
staying
conversations about, I should be staying at home, I should be
boycotting
staying at home, I should be boycotting and I thought long and
hard
boycotting and I thought long and hard about it. For me that would
have
hard about it. For me that would have been easy option. Because I
love
have been easy option. Because I love my job and sitting here having
the
love my job and sitting here having the harder conversations, and were
talking
the harder conversations, and were talking about the migrant workers,
the
talking about the migrant workers, the LGBTQ+ community, women's
rights,
the LGBTQ+ community, women's rights, I was thinking this morning
I
rights, I was thinking this morning I was the first female pundit for
the
I was the first female pundit for the BBC at a World Cup. When we
think
the BBC at a World Cup. When we think how far we've moved in four
years,
think how far we've moved in four years, let's hope that we are never
having
years, let's hope that we are never having to have these conversations
again.
having to have these conversations again. I totally share those
thoughts.
again. I totally share those thoughts. Fifa sent out a letter to
the
thoughts. Fifa sent out a letter to the team saying, stick to football
and
the team saying, stick to football and we would really love to but it's
not
and we would really love to but it's not possible, is it? Perhaps that's
what
not possible, is it? Perhaps that's what Gianni Infantino should have
done
what Gianni Infantino should have done yesterday instead of coming out
with
done yesterday instead of coming out with the rubbish he came out with.
If
with the rubbish he came out with. If he feels that strongly about the
migrant
If he feels that strongly about the migrant workers and their families,
Amnesty
migrant workers and their families, Amnesty has been asking Fifa for
just
Amnesty has been asking Fifa for just over $400 million as
compensation.
just over $400 million as compensation. They haven't agreed to
that
compensation. They haven't agreed to that yet. Why? Lets hope we find
out.
that yet. Why? Lets hope we find out. Some of the teams are making a
stand
out. Some of the teams are making a stand on human rights. England and
Wales
stand on human rights. England and Wales will be supporting the one
Love
Wales will be supporting the one Love campaign. Harry Kane and Gareth
Bale
Love campaign. Harry Kane and Gareth Bale will wear a one love captains
armband
Bale will wear a one love captains armband and both the FA and FA W
have
armband and both the FA and FA W have backed calls for compensation
to
have backed calls for compensation to be awarded for injuries and
deaths
to be awarded for injuries and deaths related to any World Cup
construction
deaths related to any World Cup construction project. Let's get the
broader
construction project. Let's get the broader perspective of how the
tournament
broader perspective of how the tournament might shape. Thank you
very
tournament might shape. Thank you very much for joining us. So much
has
very much for joining us. So much has been spoken about the
suitability
has been spoken about the suitability of Qatar to stage the
World
suitability of Qatar to stage the World Cup but what are the hosts
hope
World Cup but what are the hosts hope the World Cup will give them?
In
hope the World Cup will give them? In a way, it's a combination of a
massive
In a way, it's a combination of a massive nation-building effort that
has
massive nation-building effort that has gone on for about 50 years since
Britain
has gone on for about 50 years since Britain gave them independence and
they
Britain gave them independence and they discover they were sitting on
this
they discover they were sitting on this vast ocean of natural gas, so
they
this vast ocean of natural gas, so they were very, very rich. I first
went
they were very, very rich. I first went to Doha in 1990 just before the
first
went to Doha in 1990 just before the first Gulf War and there was only
one
first Gulf War and there was only one multi-story building which was
the
one multi-story building which was the Sheraton hotel which looks a bit
like
the Sheraton hotel which looks a bit like a pyramid. Now it's got a
spectacular
like a pyramid. Now it's got a spectacular skyline. They will have
done
spectacular skyline. They will have done investment in things like
hotels
done investment in things like hotels in the metro anyway probably
but
hotels in the metro anyway probably but what the World Cup gives them is
this
but what the World Cup gives them is this extraordinary global attention
and
this extraordinary global attention and that's what they want because
for
and that's what they want because for a country that is very small,
they
for a country that is very small, they want to have an influence that
is
they want to have an influence that is more reflective of their bank
balance
is more reflective of their bank balance than the size of the
population.
balance than the size of the population. How significant is it
for
population. How significant is it for this tournament to be taking
place
for this tournament to be taking place in the Middle East? Well, it's
massive.
place in the Middle East? Well, it's massive. There's an enormous
following
massive. There's an enormous following for football in the Middle
East,
following for football in the Middle East, in countries like Egypt,
Tunisia
East, in countries like Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, when they have
local
Tunisia and Morocco, when they have local derbies, it's every bit as
passionate
local derbies, it's every bit as passionate and fervent as anything
in
passionate and fervent as anything in Europe or South America. Football
in
in Europe or South America. Football in the Middle East has got a lot of
political
in the Middle East has got a lot of political and cultural resonance as
well.
political and cultural resonance as well. After the 2011 Arab uprisings
against
well. After the 2011 Arab uprisings against dictators in the Middle
East,
against dictators in the Middle East, organised groups of football
fans
East, organised groups of football fans took to the streets and fought
the
fans took to the streets and fought the police and very much saw
themselves
the police and very much saw themselves as the troops of the
revolution.
themselves as the troops of the revolution. I saw them in Egypt
fighting
revolution. I saw them in Egypt fighting for days and days, braving
tear
fighting for days and days, braving tear gas and live bullets and as
well
tear gas and live bullets and as well as that there is nationalism
involved.
well as that there is nationalism involved. There was a national team
in
involved. There was a national team in Algeria while they were still
fighting
in Algeria while they were still fighting for independence from
France.
fighting for independence from France. In countries which are very
sometimes
France. In countries which are very sometimes divided against
themselves,
sometimes divided against themselves, it's a bit of a
breathing
themselves, it's a bit of a breathing space, going to a football
match,
breathing space, going to a football match, particularly when the
national
match, particularly when the national team plays because it's
something
national team plays because it's something that people who disagree
about
something that people who disagree about a lot can get behind. People
always
about a lot can get behind. People always talk about the legacy element
of
always talk about the legacy element of big sporting events. What do you
think
of big sporting events. What do you think will be the lasting impact of
this
think will be the lasting impact of this World Cup? You've got to be
careful
this World Cup? You've got to be careful about legacy. If you look at
Russia,
careful about legacy. If you look at Russia, that was four years after
they
Russia, that was four years after they first invaded Ukraine and four
years
they first invaded Ukraine and four years later look where we are with
Russia
years later look where we are with Russia and Ukraine once again. So,
if
Russia and Ukraine once again. So, if you look at their website they
talk
if you look at their website they talk about making the stadiums into
community
talk about making the stadiums into community hubs, they talk about
continued
community hubs, they talk about continued outreach and there have
been
continued outreach and there have been some reforms. Limited and not
enough
been some reforms. Limited and not enough in labour laws and that kind
of
enough in labour laws and that kind of thing. But I suppose you could
say
of thing. But I suppose you could say that the impact of the Qataris
on
say that the impact of the Qataris on football in a sense has already
been
on football in a sense has already been happening because they bought
PSG
been happening because they bought PSG after they got the World Cup,
they've
PSG after they got the World Cup, they've put in vast amounts of money
and
they've put in vast amounts of money and not the first country to do that
kind
and not the first country to do that kind of thing of course. And it's
not
kind of thing of course. And it's not just coming from the Middle East
as
not just coming from the Middle East as well, also from America but I
suppose
as well, also from America but I suppose one of the legacies of all
of
suppose one of the legacies of all of this is something that perhaps we
knew
of this is something that perhaps we knew already about the world and
about
knew already about the world and about football, which is money
talks.
about football, which is money talks. Thank you very much, Jeremy.
An
talks. Thank you very much, Jeremy. An estimated 1 million fans will
pass
An estimated 1 million fans will pass through Qatar over the next few
weeks.
pass through Qatar over the next few weeks. All the stadiums are within
one
weeks. All the stadiums are within one Hour Drive of Doha so thousands
are
one Hour Drive of Doha so thousands are expected to congregate at the
Fifa
are expected to congregate at the Fifa fan festival in the centre of
the
Fifa fan festival in the centre of the City.
the City. As you can hear, the
atmosphere
the City. As you can hear, the atmosphere is starting to build
inside
atmosphere is starting to build inside the Fun Park ahead of
kick-off.
inside the Fun Park ahead of kick-off. Yesterday over 40,000 fans
were
kick-off. Yesterday over 40,000 fans were here for the welcome party and
massive
were here for the welcome party and massive firework display and now
plenty
massive firework display and now plenty are here as well for the
first
plenty are here as well for the first game of the World Cup.
Delighted
first game of the World Cup. Delighted to be joined by Ashley
from
Delighted to be joined by Ashley from the Football Supporters'
Association.
from the Football Supporters' Association. What are your first
impressions?
Association. What are your first impressions? Apart from being very
noisy
impressions? Apart from being very noisy most people find it's more
Western
noisy most people find it's more Western than they expect. When you
get
Western than they expect. When you get into The Mall is all the bars
you
get into The Mall is all the bars you see the brands you recognise,
it's
you see the brands you recognise, it's only in the suburbs you feel
you're
it's only in the suburbs you feel you're in an Arabic country in the
Middle
you're in an Arabic country in the Middle East. They've turned the
music
Middle East. They've turned the music up a notch in this place but
we've
music up a notch in this place but we've been speaking to a couple of
the
we've been speaking to a couple of the England and Wales fans as well,
how
the England and Wales fans as well, how many have you spoken to and what
is
how many have you spoken to and what is their experience? We've seen a
few
is their experience? We've seen a few England fans. We spoken to some
and
few England fans. We spoken to some and most of them seem fairly
positive.
and most of them seem fairly positive. We've heard about the
accommodation,
positive. We've heard about the accommodation, those in the cabins
seem
accommodation, those in the cabins seem quite happy, they say it's what
they
seem quite happy, they say it's what they expected, they got
air-conditioning
they expected, they got air-conditioning and are quite
happy.
air-conditioning and are quite happy. We've spoken to others in
fillers
happy. We've spoken to others in fillers and they seem happy. We've
also
fillers and they seem happy. We've also heard from a few in other
locations
also heard from a few in other locations that are less happy in
some
locations that are less happy in some places are unfinished. We know
the
some places are unfinished. We know the issues leading up to this World
Cup
the issues leading up to this World Cup in Qatar, that you're here,
Ashley,
Cup in Qatar, that you're here, Ashley, how does it feel to be here?
I
Ashley, how does it feel to be here? I think the main thing is we all
realise
I think the main thing is we all realise that the World Cup shouldn't
be
realise that the World Cup shouldn't be in Qatar in the first place.
World
be in Qatar in the first place. World Cups should be properly
inclusive
World Cups should be properly inclusive and more than just a
slogan,
inclusive and more than just a slogan, which is what we've heard
here.
slogan, which is what we've heard here. Unfortunately some people from
some
here. Unfortunately some people from some communities don't feel welcome
and
some communities don't feel welcome and that's a real shame. For us at
the
and that's a real shame. For us at the FSA we know that England fans
are
the FSA we know that England fans are travelling and we have a job to
do
are travelling and we have a job to do which is make sure they have a
safe
do which is make sure they have a safe and good time as possible while
they
safe and good time as possible while they are here. This is one of the
most
they are here. This is one of the most expensive World Cups for a fun
to
most expensive World Cups for a fun to come to, what can other World
Cups
to come to, what can other World Cups learn from this one? They've
got
Cups learn from this one? They've got to control pricing a bit. This
is
got to control pricing a bit. This is really expensive not just to get
here
is really expensive not just to get here and stay here but also if you
want
here and stay here but also if you want to have a pint of beer, it's
really
want to have a pint of beer, it's really expensive. Also it's too much
to
really expensive. Also it's too much to have all the games in effectively
one
to have all the games in effectively one City. It creates a great
atmosphere
one City. It creates a great atmosphere with all the different
nations
atmosphere with all the different nations but it's really congested on
the
nations but it's really congested on the transport and it's going to get
really
the transport and it's going to get really busy. Actually, thank you
very
really busy. Actually, thank you very much and enjoy the rest of the
tournament.
tournament. All eight stadiums are
within
tournament. All eight stadiums are within 25 miles of central Doha
meaning
within 25 miles of central Doha meaning it's possible to take in two
games
meaning it's possible to take in two games a day. The Al Bayt Stadium in
the
games a day. The Al Bayt Stadium in the North is where we are today.
Wales
the North is where we are today. Wales kick off tomorrow against the
USA
Wales kick off tomorrow against the USA at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Before
USA at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Before that England face Iran at the
Khalifa
Before that England face Iran at the Khalifa Stadium and Kelly Somers has
been
Khalifa Stadium and Kelly Somers has been following them.
been following them. This team is
changing
been following them. This team is changing things!
Cup
Cup shrouded in controversy. Of the
pitch
Cup shrouded in controversy. Of the pitch there's certainly been plenty
to
pitch there's certainly been plenty to talk about but on Tuesday less
than
to talk about but on Tuesday less than 48 hours after the Premier
League
than 48 hours after the Premier League paused Gareth Southgate and
the
League paused Gareth Southgate and the squad arrived here in Doha and
headed
the squad arrived here in Doha and headed to the training base south of
the
headed to the training base south of the City. Familiar faces on the 26
man
the City. Familiar faces on the 26 man squad, supplemented by a host of
players
man squad, supplemented by a host of players looking to make their mark
on
players looking to make their mark on their first World Cup. Including
Callum
on their first World Cup. Including Callum Wilson, who returns to the
squad
Callum Wilson, who returns to the squad after a three-year absence.
You
You meet
You meet all the boys but it is like
no
You meet all the boys but it is like no one ever left. It is good to be
here.
no one ever left. It is good to be here. For those who have tasted the
highs
here. For those who have tasted the highs of the World Cup before the
excitement
highs of the World Cup before the excitement is no less. He has scored
for
excitement is no less. He has scored for England. I still get goose bumps
every
for England. I still get goose bumps every time I put the shirt on. It is
a
every time I put the shirt on. It is a dream, and honour, to represent my
country
a dream, and honour, to represent my country and to be in a World Cup is
special,
country and to be in a World Cup is special, very special. It is getting
so
special, very special. It is getting so close now you are just getting
goose
so close now you are just getting goose bumps and getting ready to go.
But
goose bumps and getting ready to go. But England have injury concerns as
well.
But England have injury concerns as well. Kyle Walker has already
revealed
well. Kyle Walker has already revealed he will not be fit for
tomorrow's
revealed he will not be fit for tomorrow's match opener. And the
game
tomorrow's match opener. And the game is also likely to come too soon
for
game is also likely to come too soon for James Madison who continues to
train
for James Madison who continues to train alone as he manages a knee
problem.
problem. Away from the pitch
questions
problem. Away from the pitch questions have also continued to be
asked
questions have also continued to be asked of Quatar's human rights
issues.
asked of Quatar's human rights issues. We are aware of the problems
and
issues. We are aware of the problems and issues here, but we are people
who
and issues here, but we are people who stand for diversity and
inclusivity.
who stand for diversity and inclusivity. We have come to a
country
inclusivity. We have come to a country where we will respect the
rules
country where we will respect the rules and everything that goes on in
this
rules and everything that goes on in this country and we are here for one
thing,
this country and we are here for one thing, to play football. But in
terms
thing, to play football. But in terms of what we believe in as a
team
terms of what we believe in as a team and as players it is football
for
team and as players it is football for all and everybody to be included
in
for all and everybody to be included in our great sport. Those
conversations
in our great sport. Those conversations will continue, but now
the
conversations will continue, but now the football finally starts and in
less
the football finally starts and in less than 24 hours England face Iran
in
less than 24 hours England face Iran in their opening game. Gareth
Southgate
in their opening game. Gareth Southgate has taken England to a
semifinal
Southgate has taken England to a semifinal and a final in major
tournaments.
semifinal and a final in major tournaments. Since the height of the
year
tournaments. Since the height of the year as last summer the highs have
been
year as last summer the highs have been harder to find, having not won
a
been harder to find, having not won a competitive game in over a year,
England
a competitive game in over a year, England need to get their World Cup
off
England need to get their World Cup off to a good start. Here are the
Group
off to a good start. Here are the Group B fixtures.
Wales
Wales and
Wales and England don't meet until
the
Wales and England don't meet until the final game and that will be live
on
the final game and that will be live on the BBC.
on the BBC. 64 years of hurt ends
tomorrow.
on the BBC. 64 years of hurt ends tomorrow. After the longest of
weights
tomorrow. After the longest of weights and all those heartbreaking
games,
weights and all those heartbreaking games, Wales is here on football's
greatest
games, Wales is here on football's greatest age and not just to make it
the
greatest age and not just to make it the numbers. When you see a giant
bucket
the numbers. When you see a giant bucket hat in the middle of Doha,
you
bucket hat in the middle of Doha, you know the Welsh have finally
arrived.
you know the Welsh have finally arrived. It is like we have never
been
arrived. It is like we have never been away from each other. It is
like
been away from each other. It is like a club environment, it really
is
like a club environment, it really is a unique situation where it is
more
is a unique situation where it is more like brotherhood to be honest.
It
more like brotherhood to be honest. It is like being a family and all
these
It is like being a family and all these trips intensify that even
more.
these trips intensify that even more. We are all very excited. You
see
more. We are all very excited. You see the World Cup and the World Cup
banners
see the World Cup and the World Cup banners around and it puts it into
perspective
banners around and it puts it into perspective where you are. The
facilities
perspective where you are. The facilities are good, the weather is
hot,
facilities are good, the weather is hot, the sun is shining and
everybody
hot, the sun is shining and everybody is feeling good about
themselves.
everybody is feeling good about themselves. It is nice to see him
like
themselves. It is nice to see him like that, he is full of spirit, he
is
like that, he is full of spirit, he is smiling. We know what Gareth is
like.
is smiling. We know what Gareth is like. He is a fantastic professional
and
like. He is a fantastic professional and he leads by example. And
together
and he leads by example. And together is stronger is the mantra
that
together is stronger is the mantra that has embodied the side in recent
campaigns.
that has embodied the side in recent campaigns. A culture that has
developed
campaigns. A culture that has developed since the days of Gary
speed,
developed since the days of Gary speed, so is the pressure off or are
they
speed, so is the pressure off or are they feeling the heat? It was nice
to
they feeling the heat? It was nice to have some heat, but it is hard to
train
to have some heat, but it is hard to train in, but we are starting to
adapt
train in, but we are starting to adapt to it now. It is really humid
and
adapt to it now. It is really humid and hot out here, but we have had a
few
and hot out here, but we have had a few days' training and are starting
to
few days' training and are starting to adapt. There is so much
competition
to adapt. There is so much competition in this team and all you
can
competition in this team and all you can do is train hard and hope you
get
can do is train hard and hope you get the call. Very surreal being
here
get the call. Very surreal being here on the world stage and you look
around
here on the world stage and you look around at Qatar and see the Welsh
flag
around at Qatar and see the Welsh flag surrounding us and top-class
nations
flag surrounding us and top-class nations and the Euro is was
obviously
nations and the Euro is was obviously a magnificent experience,
but
obviously a magnificent experience, but this is something else, it is
the
but this is something else, it is the World Cup, the pinnacle. We are
confident
the World Cup, the pinnacle. We are confident and everyone is fit and
raring
confident and everyone is fit and raring to go and we can't ask for
much
raring to go and we can't ask for much more really.
We
We know
We know what it is going to be like
come
We know what it is going to be like come game time and it will be the
same
come game time and it will be the same old Welsh fans doing what we do
best.
same old Welsh fans doing what we do best. We are looking forward to it
and
best. We are looking forward to it and it is one of those childhood
dreams
and it is one of those childhood dreams that every footballer wants
to
dreams that every footballer wants to experience, I guess.
Great to see
Wales
to experience, I guess. Great to see Wales in the World Cup and
especially
Wales in the World Cup and especially Gareth Bale, because what
a
especially Gareth Bale, because what a player he has been for the last 16
years
a player he has been for the last 16 years or so. When you played in
2016,
years or so. When you played in 2016, Ashley, going into that
tournament,
2016, Ashley, going into that tournament, which was the first
since
tournament, which was the first since 1958, how difficult was it to
separate
since 1958, how difficult was it to separate the height from the actual
performance
separate the height from the actual performance that you had to put in?
I
performance that you had to put in? I remember the opening game against
Slovakia.
I remember the opening game against Slovakia. We said deal with the game
in
Slovakia. We said deal with the game in front of you. I remember being
woken
in front of you. I remember being woken up by thousands of Welsh fans
that
woken up by thousands of Welsh fans that had found our hotel, singing
and
that had found our hotel, singing and I thought, wow, we're really
here.
and I thought, wow, we're really here. You do get wrapped up in it,
for
here. You do get wrapped up in it, for once you get the warm up and go
in
for once you get the warm up and go in and start playing it is business
as
in and start playing it is business as usual and you are locked into
winning
as usual and you are locked into winning that first game. You scored
a
winning that first game. You scored a goal in the quarterfinal.
a goal in the quarterfinal. What
sort
a goal in the quarterfinal. What sort of leader is Gareth Bale?
Different
sort of leader is Gareth Bale? Different to myself. He is not as
vocal,
Different to myself. He is not as vocal, he is not as aggressive in
his
vocal, he is not as aggressive in his message, but what he does do,
and
his message, but what he does do, and I take my hat off to him, even
when
and I take my hat off to him, even when he was at the top of his game
at
when he was at the top of his game at Real Madrid and winning Champions
Leagues,
at Real Madrid and winning Champions Leagues, you will get somebody
coming
Leagues, you will get somebody coming in, you're a young lad, and
he
coming in, you're a young lad, and he would always go out of his way to
maybe
he would always go out of his way to maybe crack a joke with them, make
them
maybe crack a joke with them, make them feel comfortable in his
presence
them feel comfortable in his presence because he is so big. He is
a
presence because he is so big. He is a big player for us and a talisman
and
a big player for us and a talisman and from a Welsh point of view we
are
and from a Welsh point of view we are going to need him to lead this
team
are going to need him to lead this team and do something extra special
to
team and do something extra special to get us out of the group stages.
Let's
to get us out of the group stages. Let's turn our attention to England.
What
Let's turn our attention to England. What are your expectations, Alan?
How
What are your expectations, Alan? How far can they go? Quarterfinal I
would
How far can they go? Quarterfinal I would say. If you get to the
quarterfinal
would say. If you get to the quarterfinal you can win it. I hope
we
quarterfinal you can win it. I hope we can win it. I said earlier I
worry
we can win it. I said earlier I worry about us defensively. We go in
with
worry about us defensively. We go in with a lot of players who are not
informed
with a lot of players who are not informed defensively and we have yet
to
informed defensively and we have yet to see what system or personnel he
will
to see what system or personnel he will pick. You just never know. You
get
will pick. You just never know. You get into that first game and it is
what
get into that first game and it is what you have been waiting for over
the
what you have been waiting for over the last few days and you win the
game
the last few days and you win the game and all of a sudden, and that
is
game and all of a sudden, and that is one of the things Gareth is
brilliant
is one of the things Gareth is brilliant at, he has created this
environment
brilliant at, he has created this environment where he makes everyone
feel
environment where he makes everyone feel special, whether you have
confidence
feel special, whether you have confidence or not. He has been very
loyal
confidence or not. He has been very loyal to some players and he might
be
loyal to some players and he might be very loyal to some players again
when
be very loyal to some players again when he names his team sheet
tomorrow.
when he names his team sheet tomorrow. Obviously I hope we can go
all
tomorrow. Obviously I hope we can go all the way, but the further we go
into
all the way, but the further we go into the tournament, the more
difficult
into the tournament, the more difficult it will become. That is
when
difficult it will become. That is when we will be tested defensively.
On
when we will be tested defensively. On the subject of Gareth Southgate,
he
On the subject of Gareth Southgate, he has received some criticism from
fans
he has received some criticism from fans because of a little bit of a
bad
fans because of a little bit of a bad run, but surely after what he
has
bad run, but surely after what he has done in recent years he at least
deserves
has done in recent years he at least deserves the opportunity to succeed?
When
deserves the opportunity to succeed? When you think about managers and
their
When you think about managers and their cycle, it is always the first
time
their cycle, it is always the first time you are building the team and
bring
time you are building the team and bring in the youngsters, and he has
got
bring in the youngsters, and he has got us to finals. In this one there
is
got us to finals. In this one there is no expectation, nobody is
expecting
is no expectation, nobody is expecting England to do well. He
might
expecting England to do well. He might look at that and think, there
is
might look at that and think, there is no pressure. We know this game is
so
is no pressure. We know this game is so important and it will not be an
easy
so important and it will not be an easy game. They are up against a
team
easy game. They are up against a team that is so well drilled and
organised
team that is so well drilled and organised tactically, so for us to
break
organised tactically, so for us to break them down is going to be hard.
There
break them down is going to be hard. There is always pressure. Pressure
is
There is always pressure. Pressure is privilege. Time to focus on
events
is privilege. Time to focus on events here at the Al Bayt Stadium,
one
events here at the Al Bayt Stadium, one of seven out of eight in total
that
one of seven out of eight in total that had to be built after Qatar was
awarded
that had to be built after Qatar was awarded the World Cup. Based in the
north
awarded the World Cup. Based in the north of the country it has a
capacity
north of the country it has a capacity of 60,000, but the top tier
will
capacity of 60,000, but the top tier will be removed after the
tournament,
will be removed after the tournament, reducing it to 32,000.
England
tournament, reducing it to 32,000. England play the USA here on Friday.
The
England play the USA here on Friday. The teams are out warming up now.
What
The teams are out warming up now. What a moment for these players it
must
What a moment for these players it must be. Qatar have been in camp
since
must be. Qatar have been in camp since June and although they lack
big
since June and although they lack big names, there is a clublike
atmosphere
big names, there is a clublike atmosphere in the national squad
that
atmosphere in the national squad that could yet help them avoid the
fate
that could yet help them avoid the fate of South Africa in 2010 who
remained
fate of South Africa in 2010 who remained the only host nation not to
reach
remained the only host nation not to reach the knockout stages.
Football
Football is the most popular sport
in
Football is the most popular sport in Qatar. Football changes
communities,
in Qatar. Football changes communities, brings people from all
around
communities, brings people from all around the world together. They love
football
around the world together. They love football and when you love football,
there
football and when you love football, there is one language.
there is one language. I came here
to
there is one language. I came here to Qatar to play football because
football
to Qatar to play football because football is about opportunities. It
is
football is about opportunities. It is really nice, the league is
improving,
is really nice, the league is improving, there are good players,
you
improving, there are good players, you can see having the World Cup
improved
you can see having the World Cup improved the quality of the league.
The
improved the quality of the league. The format is a double round-robin
league
The format is a double round-robin league system which is followed in
most
league system which is followed in most parts of the world. It is not
actually
most parts of the world. It is not actually home and away. The last few
seasons
actually home and away. The last few seasons they have played in neutral
stadiums
seasons they have played in neutral stadiums while other stadiums have
been
stadiums while other stadiums have been prepared for the World Cup. The
Qatari
been prepared for the World Cup. The Qatari fans love football and they
enjoy
Qatari fans love football and they enjoy football. I think a lot of
fans
enjoy football. I think a lot of fans love wearing scarves. They come
in
fans love wearing scarves. They come in their traditional clothes and it
is
in their traditional clothes and it is one of the most characteristic
features
is one of the most characteristic features of a Qatari football fan. I
am
features of a Qatari football fan. I am working in Doha. I started
playing
am working in Doha. I started playing football since I was 11
years
playing football since I was 11 years old. It was not like very
acceptable
years old. It was not like very acceptable from the community to see
like
acceptable from the community to see like ladies playing football, but
things
like ladies playing football, but things started changing, people
started
things started changing, people started supporting women to play all
kinds
started supporting women to play all kinds of sports. Now in 2022 we have
more
kinds of sports. Now in 2022 we have more than seven clubs in the league.
The
more than seven clubs in the league. The universal nature of football a
sort
The universal nature of football a sort of a vehicle for Qatar to
establish
sort of a vehicle for Qatar to establish themselves on the global
stage.
I
I remember playing I woke up in
Africa
I remember playing I woke up in Africa and it was the first time and
it
Africa and it was the first time and it was something special and now it
is
it was something special and now it is going to be in an Arab country
and
is going to be in an Arab country and they are all happy and they
can't
and they are all happy and they can't wait for the World Cup to
start
can't wait for the World Cup to start in the regions.
And
And if
And if you want to learn more about
the
And if you want to learn more about the football culture in Qatar, there
is
the football culture in Qatar, there is a piece on the BBC Sport website.
The
is a piece on the BBC Sport website. The national team has played 11
times
The national team has played 11 times this year and have won four
matches in
times this year and have won four matches in the run-up to the World
Cup.
matches in the run-up to the World Cup. There are the fans, the Qatari
fans
Cup. There are the fans, the Qatari fans are in the stadium and they are
very
fans are in the stadium and they are very excited to see their home team
play
very excited to see their home team play in a World Cup in their home
country.
play in a World Cup in their home country. No host nation has never
not
country. No host nation has never not won a game in the group stage.
As
not won a game in the group stage. As tonight's match their best
chance,
As tonight's match their best chance, Alex? They are up against a
very
chance, Alex? They are up against a very strong Ecuador team that are
quick
very strong Ecuador team that are quick and fast. But when you talk
about
quick and fast. But when you talk about Qatar and they have been
together
about Qatar and they have been together since June and when you
think
together since June and when you think about being together and being
that
think about being together and being that prepared, it is almost like a
club
that prepared, it is almost like a club team. I remember playing
against
club team. I remember playing against the USA National women's
team
against the USA National women's team and they did not have a league
and
team and they did not have a league and it made them so strong, so
together
and it made them so strong, so together with that club feel. Also
they
together with that club feel. Also they have had two months off at the
start
they have had two months off at the start of the season to have a nice
rest.
start of the season to have a nice rest. I think they are going to be
so
rest. I think they are going to be so compact defensively and look to
transition.
so compact defensively and look to transition. I think they will
struggle
transition. I think they will struggle with the Temple and the
physicality
struggle with the Temple and the physicality of the game. The Quatar
coach,
physicality of the game. The Quatar coach, Felix Sanchez, has never
coached
coach, Felix Sanchez, has never coached a club first team. No, but
he
coached a club first team. No, but he did used to coach the Barcelona
youth
he did used to coach the Barcelona youth team. Correct. He won the
Asian
youth team. Correct. He won the Asian cup with them and he coached
the
Asian cup with them and he coached the under 19 is, 20s and 23 is here,
so
the under 19 is, 20s and 23 is here, so he has been with them since 2017.
He
so he has been with them since 2017. He knows all of his players really
well
He knows all of his players really well and he has had time to work
with
well and he has had time to work with them over the past few months.
So
with them over the past few months. So they should be ready to go. When
we
So they should be ready to go. When we talk about their most talented
player,
we talk about their most talented player, Akram Afif, an anagram of
fever,
player, Akram Afif, an anagram of fever, which is quite apposite, a
very
fever, which is quite apposite, a very talented player. He is probably
the
very talented player. He is probably the most intelligent football player
on
the most intelligent football player on the pitch for them. He takes a
very
on the pitch for them. He takes a very positions on the pitch. He has
a
very positions on the pitch. He has a bit of a free role. Very creative
and
a bit of a free role. Very creative and are free play maker. I can't
imagine
and are free play maker. I can't imagine they will have possession
against
imagine they will have possession against Ecuador today. He needs to
be
against Ecuador today. He needs to be available on the turnover when
they
be available on the turnover when they win the ball back and he has to
use
they win the ball back and he has to use the ball wisely and be very
clean
use the ball wisely and be very clean cut with his playmaking. He is
very
clean cut with his playmaking. He is very creative and his strike partner
who
very creative and his strike partner who plays alongside is a real
goal-scorer.
who plays alongside is a real goal-scorer. When you think back to
2019
goal-scorer. When you think back to 2019 he got nine goals in the Asian
cup.
2019 he got nine goals in the Asian cup. What Ashley just said there is
they
cup. What Ashley just said there is they work really well together. They
are
they work really well together. They are about a partnership and they are
always
are about a partnership and they are always looking to link up. I
suppose,
always looking to link up. I suppose, Alan, you and Gary know
about
suppose, Alan, you and Gary know about it, I was a full-back crossing
in,
about it, I was a full-back crossing in, but when you are looking for
your
in, but when you are looking for your mate and you know the ball is
going
your mate and you know the ball is going to be delivered, it makes a
huge
going to be delivered, it makes a huge difference. You rely on them.
He
huge difference. You rely on them. He just wanted to score the goals,
he
He just wanted to score the goals, he was the selfish one. We only
played
he was the selfish one. We only played one together. As for Ecuador,
this
played one together. As for Ecuador, this will be their fourth World Cup
appearance,
this will be their fourth World Cup appearance, the most recent being
Brazil
appearance, the most recent being Brazil in 2014. They reached the
knockout
Brazil in 2014. They reached the knockout stages once in 2006 when
they
knockout stages once in 2006 when they came unstuck against guess who?
England.
Oh,
Oh, it
Oh, it came off John Terry. There is
trouble
Oh, it came off John Terry. There is trouble here for England.
trouble here for England. Beckham!
It
trouble here for England. Beckham! It has gone in. Relief. David
Beckham.
It has gone in. Relief. David Beckham. This is Frank Lampard.
Valencia.
Beckham. This is Frank Lampard. Valencia. Good save on the near
post.
Valencia. Good save on the near post. Gerard in the box. Frank
Lampard.
post. Gerard in the box. Frank Lampard. And England are in the
quarterfinals
Lampard. And England are in the quarterfinals of the World Cup for
the
quarterfinals of the World Cup for the ninth time.
the ninth time. Ecuador finished
fourth
the ninth time. Ecuador finished fourth in the South American
qualifying
fourth in the South American qualifying process behind Brazil.
Argentina
qualifying process behind Brazil. Argentina and Uruguay. Three of
their
Argentina and Uruguay. Three of their squad play in the Premier
League,
their squad play in the Premier League, over Brighton. Moises
Caicedo,
League, over Brighton. Moises Caicedo, Purvis Estupinan and Pierre
Hincapie.
Jeremy
Jeremy Sarmiento. On the wing.
Ecuador
Ecuador has grown a lot to have
three
Ecuador has grown a lot to have three international Ecuadorian
players
three international Ecuadorian players in the same team, it means a
lot
players in the same team, it means a lot for us and obviously the same
back
lot for us and obviously the same back home.
We
We can't
We can't wait to sing our anthem.
It's
We can't wait to sing our anthem. It's her first tournament for us,
ask
It's her first tournament for us, ask three. We are trying to go out
there
ask three. We are trying to go out there and do the best thing to leave
our
there and do the best thing to leave our country and the best place.
The
The first
The first game against Qatar, all
eyes
The first game against Qatar, all eyes are going to be on us and it's
not
eyes are going to be on us and it's not going to be easy. The only thing
I
not going to be easy. The only thing I can say is we'll use this as
motivation.
I can say is we'll use this as motivation. We have really good
hopes
motivation. We have really good hopes and we think we've got a
really
hopes and we think we've got a really good team. So, we are ready.
See
really good team. So, we are ready. See that World Cup behind us in the
middle
See that World Cup behind us in the middle there? It's probably real
gold!
middle there? It's probably real gold! Did you know Gustavo Alfaro,
the
gold! Did you know Gustavo Alfaro, the coach of Ecuador, has been a TV
pundit
the coach of Ecuador, has been a TV pundit at the last four World Cups?
There
pundit at the last four World Cups? There is hope for you yet. LAUGHTER
You
There is hope for you yet. LAUGHTER You didn't know that? Alex, Ecuador
have
You didn't know that? Alex, Ecuador have qualified twice in a way
because
have qualified twice in a way because once on the pitch and once
in
because once on the pitch and once in the courts. There was an
eligibility
in the courts. There was an eligibility row over one of them
players,
eligibility row over one of them players, by Cassio but they are here
and
players, by Cassio but they are here and they are a dark horse tip. They
are
and they are a dark horse tip. They are definitely a team to look out
for.
are definitely a team to look out for. The Ecuadorian coach describes
them
for. The Ecuadorian coach describes them as powerful and play as a tight
unit.
them as powerful and play as a tight unit. When he took over the job in
2020,
unit. When he took over the job in 2020, he kind of got rid of what was
there
2020, he kind of got rid of what was there and tried to bring through
youth
there and tried to bring through youth and energy and hunger. From
the
youth and energy and hunger. From the clips I've seen, they are
predominately
the clips I've seen, they are predominately really strong down the
left
predominately really strong down the left hand side.
left hand side. Moises is 21, he has
really
left hand side. Moises is 21, he has really impressed at Brighton this
season.
really impressed at Brighton this season. I think he's going to be a
top
season. I think he's going to be a top player and he could be one that
really
top player and he could be one that really stands out. He's only 21, he
is
really stands out. He's only 21, he is the heartbeat of this young side.
He
is the heartbeat of this young side. He made his debut two years ago and
the
He made his debut two years ago and the manager asked him to man mark
Messi
the manager asked him to man mark Messi which tells either trust he
has
Messi which tells either trust he has in him. He's athletic, he can
tackle,
has in him. He's athletic, he can tackle, he can pass, he can read
again,
tackle, he can pass, he can read again, scores one or two goals but
what
again, scores one or two goals but what is also important is he's got a
really
what is also important is he's got a really good link up with his
Brighton
really good link up with his Brighton team-mate down the
left-hand
Brighton team-mate down the left-hand side, you mentioned him
earlier,
left-hand side, you mentioned him earlier, Estupinan. They are strong
and
earlier, Estupinan. They are strong and they understand each other's
game.
and they understand each other's game. As I said, they link up well
and
game. As I said, they link up well and that is certainly one for us to
watch
and that is certainly one for us to watch tonight. There's his
team-mate.
watch tonight. There's his team-mate. They have that link down
there.
team-mate. They have that link down there. They'll be strong, perhaps
too
there. They'll be strong, perhaps too strong for them down that side.
Estupinan?
too strong for them down that side. Estupinan? He's a real threat. We've
seen
Estupinan? He's a real threat. We've seen him for Brighton, as Alan says,
they've
seen him for Brighton, as Alan says, they've got that kind of link-up
which
they've got that kind of link-up which always helps when you play day
in,
which always helps when you play day in, day out with someone. It creates
a
in, day out with someone. It creates a lot down the left-hand side and
they
a lot down the left-hand side and they will need him to date to create
against
they will need him to date to create against a team that will probably be
trying
against a team that will probably be trying to be compact. One of the
other
trying to be compact. One of the other players we know back home,
Enner
other players we know back home, Enner Valencia. He's a good
team-mate,
Enner Valencia. He's a good team-mate, I liked him. He's a good
player
team-mate, I liked him. He's a good player as well! LAUGHTER
Very
player as well! LAUGHTER Very tenacious. No need his
leadership
Very tenacious. No need his leadership and experience if they
are
leadership and experience if they are to do anything in the
tournament.
are to do anything in the tournament. Sorry, they just cut up
Alan
tournament. Sorry, they just cut up Alan Shearer. Sorry, it's Gianni
Infantino.
Alan Shearer. Sorry, it's Gianni Infantino. My apologies. Let's have
a
Infantino. My apologies. Let's have a listen.
Bienvenidos a Qatar.
Bienvenidos a Qatar. Dear friends,
welcome,
Bienvenidos a Qatar. Dear friends, welcome, welcome to the Fifa World
Cup
welcome, welcome to the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022. CHEERING
Welcome
Cup Qatar 2022. CHEERING Welcome to celebrate football,
because
Welcome to celebrate football, because football unites the world.
And
because football unites the world. And now, let's welcome the teams and
let
And now, let's welcome the teams and let the show began. All the best to
everyone.
That
That wasn't in any one's running
order
That wasn't in any one's running order but president does what
President
order but president does what President wants to do, I guess.
Traditionally
President wants to do, I guess. Traditionally the opening game is a
low
Traditionally the opening game is a low scoring affair but the last time
these
low scoring affair but the last time these two teams met in Qatar, the
home
these two teams met in Qatar, the home team won 4-3. Let's join our
commentators
home team won 4-3. Let's join our commentators Steve Bower and Dion
Dublin.
commentators Steve Bower and Dion Dublin. COMMENTATOR: Thanks, Gary
and
Dublin. COMMENTATOR: Thanks, Gary and welcome everyone to the Al Bayt
Stadium,
and welcome everyone to the Al Bayt Stadium, following on from
spectacular
Stadium, following on from spectacular opening ceremony. Now we
have
spectacular opening ceremony. Now we have the opening match. Almost 12
years
have the opening match. Almost 12 years in the making, only seven days
after
years in the making, only seven days after the Premier League paused. We
are
after the Premier League paused. We are ready for the 22nd edition of
football's
are ready for the 22nd edition of football's finest international
offering.
football's finest international offering. We are ready to go again.
Winter
offering. We are ready to go again. Winter warming is opposed to the
summer
Winter warming is opposed to the summer barbecues for this
unprecedented
summer barbecues for this unprecedented Qatar World Cup. It's
all
unprecedented Qatar World Cup. It's all set and it's a huge night for
this
all set and it's a huge night for this nation as well. The supporters
have
this nation as well. The supporters have been in three hours before
kick-off.
have been in three hours before kick-off. They've had some show to
watch
kick-off. They've had some show to watch and are hoping that that will
continue
watch and are hoping that that will continue in the opening 90 minutes
of
continue in the opening 90 minutes of this World Cup. Before all of
that
of this World Cup. Before all of that we will pause for both teams'
national
that we will pause for both teams' national anthems. Please rise if you
are
national anthems. Please rise if you are able for the playing of the
national
are able for the playing of the national anthem of Ecuador.
ANTHEM PLAYS
# Salve, Oh Patria, mil veces, oh Patria
# Gloria a ti, gloria a ti
# Ya tu pecho, tu pecho, rebosa
# Y tu frente, tu frente radiosa
# Mas que el sol contemplamos lucir
# Los primeros, los hijos del suelo
# Que, soberbio, el Pichincha decora
# Te aclamaron por siempre senora y vertieron su sangre por ti
# De otros heroes que atonito el mundo
# Vio en tu torno a millares surgir
# Gozo y paz y a tu pecho rebosa. #
playing of the national anthem of Qatar.
# Qasaman Qasaman.
# Qasaman biman rafa'a as-sama'
# Qasaman biman nasara ad-diya'
# Qatarun satabqa hurratan tasmu biruh il-'awfiya'
# Siru 'ala nahji l-'awla
# Siru wa-'ala diya' il-'anbiya'
# Qatarun biqalbi siratun 'azun wa'amjadu l-'iba'
# Qatarun r-rijali l-'awwalin
# Humatuna yawm an-nida
# Wa-hama'imun yawm as-salam
# Jawarihun yawm al-fida'
# Qatarun r-rijali l-'awwalin
# Humatuna yawm an-nida
# Wa-hama'imun yawm as-salam
# Jawarihun yawm al-fida'
# Qasaman Qasaman
# Qasaman biman rafa'a as-sama'
# Qasaman biman nasara ad-diya'
# Qatarun satabqa hurratan tasmu biruh il-'awfiya'#.
CHEERING Deafening noise, important seats
taken
Deafening noise, important seats taken everywhere for this opening
game.
taken everywhere for this opening game. Ecuador just as proud to be
taking
game. Ecuador just as proud to be taking part in this as well as they
begin
taking part in this as well as they begin just their fourth World Cup in
their
begin just their fourth World Cup in their entire history. Remember that
a
their entire history. Remember that a host nation has never lost an
opening
a host nation has never lost an opening game. This is the team that
will
opening game. This is the team that will try and maintain that record.
They
will try and maintain that record. They will play in Qatar, ten of the
squad
They will play in Qatar, ten of the squad were born outside of the
nation.
squad were born outside of the nation. Saad Al-Sheeb is 32, in
goal.
nation. Saad Al-Sheeb is 32, in goal. It's a back three potentially
Qatar
goal. It's a back three potentially Qatar with their second most capped
player,
Qatar with their second most capped player, Kareen Hassan. But those two
are
player, Kareen Hassan. But those two are the star players of Qatar. Akram
Afif
are the star players of Qatar. Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, in fact, if the
latter
Afif and Almoez Ali, in fact, if the latter scores tonight he will become
his
latter scores tonight he will become his nation's all-time record
goal-scorer.
his nation's all-time record goal-scorer. A big moment to fit
Danielli
goal-scorer. A big moment to fit Danielli Sato of Italy to officiate
the
Danielli Sato of Italy to officiate the opening game. He was on VAR
duties
the opening game. He was on VAR duties in Russia four years ago. Two
years
duties in Russia four years ago. Two years ago he was in charge of the
Champions
years ago he was in charge of the Champions League final and be VAR
team
Champions League final and be VAR team extended to seven for this
tournament
team extended to seven for this tournament including the involved
centre
tournament including the involved centre system for offsites that we
have
centre system for offsites that we have seen in the Champions League
this
have seen in the Champions League this season.
this season. Hassan Al-Haydos the
captain
this season. Hassan Al-Haydos the captain and record appearance maker
of
captain and record appearance maker of Qatar. Very proud to lead his
nation
of Qatar. Very proud to lead his nation this evening as he greets
Enner
nation this evening as he greets Enner Valencia, the former West Ham
and
Enner Valencia, the former West Ham and Everton striker who captains the
Ecuador
and Everton striker who captains the Ecuador team and has Hernan Galindez
in
Ecuador team and has Hernan Galindez in goal. He becomes the oldest
Ecuadorian
in goal. He becomes the oldest Ecuadorian to play at a World Cup
finals
Ecuadorian to play at a World Cup finals in their back four.
Moises
Moises Caicedo is a huge part of the
team.
Moises Caicedo is a huge part of the team. And Enner Valencia looks to
add
team. And Enner Valencia looks to add to the goals that he scored in
2014.
add to the goals that he scored in 2014. He now plays his football in
Turkey
2014. He now plays his football in Turkey and is currently the top
scorer
Turkey and is currently the top scorer in the league. Felix Sanchez,
Barcelona
scorer in the league. Felix Sanchez, Barcelona born and bred, left to
come
Barcelona born and bred, left to come to Qatar in 2006. He took
charge
come to Qatar in 2006. He took charge of the national team in 2017
and
charge of the national team in 2017 and this is a dream for him come
true
and this is a dream for him come true tonight. Gustavo Alfaro is a
vastly
true tonight. Gustavo Alfaro is a vastly experienced Argentinian, the
17th
vastly experienced Argentinian, the 17th managerial role, but his first
international
17th managerial role, but his first international job and his first
experience
international job and his first experience as a coach in a World Cup
final.
experience as a coach in a World Cup final. If Ali scores tonight, it
will
final. If Ali scores tonight, it will be the most in Qatar
footballing
will be the most in Qatar footballing history.
Now
Now he
Now he and his team-mates are in the
biggest
Now he and his team-mates are in the biggest stage of all. He has made
some
biggest stage of all. He has made some impact on both his national
team
some impact on both his national team and his bright and one over the
couple
team and his bright and one over the couple of years.
couple of years. He was always going
to
couple of years. He was always going to be different and unique. But at
last
to be different and unique. But at last we are ready for the 2022 World
Cup
last we are ready for the 2022 World Cup to get under way. And it is the
hosts
Cup to get under way. And it is the hosts that do just that with that
direct
hosts that do just that with that direct ball into the penalty area.
The
direct ball into the penalty area. The first of 64 games. For the final
time
The first of 64 games. For the final time we have got 32 nations, 832
players
time we have got 32 nations, 832 players involved. Qatar making their
own
players involved. Qatar making their own footballing history. Dion Dublin
is
own footballing history. Dion Dublin is alongside me and was watching the
build-up
is alongside me and was watching the build-up spectacular to this game.
What
build-up spectacular to this game. What are we expecting from the
actual
What are we expecting from the actual match. Goals. I want goals, I
really
actual match. Goals. I want goals, I really do. It has been so exciting,
we
really do. It has been so exciting, we came here hours before kick-off
and
we came here hours before kick-off and resort stadium and there was
yellow
and resort stadium and there was yellow and burgundy everywhere and
there
yellow and burgundy everywhere and there has been an amazing build-up
to
there has been an amazing build-up to the World Cup. Now let's enjoy
the
to the World Cup. Now let's enjoy the football and hopefully we will
get
the football and hopefully we will get some goals and some super
performances.
This
This is
This is Kareem Hassan on the
left-hand
This is Kareem Hassan on the left-hand side of that back for
Qatar.
left-hand side of that back for Qatar. They paused their own
domestic
Qatar. They paused their own domestic league in September and
this
domestic league in September and this group of players have been
together
this group of players have been together ever since. Ecuador, on the
other
together ever since. Ecuador, on the other hand, were not too impressed
with
other hand, were not too impressed with the moving of this, so they
have
with the moving of this, so they have had six days to prepare for it.
No
have had six days to prepare for it. No foul on Akram Afif.
Estupinan. That is getting pulled
back
Estupinan. That is getting pulled back for a free to Ecuador.
back for a free to Ecuador. He was
caught
back for a free to Ecuador. He was caught by one of the Qatar players
born
caught by one of the Qatar players born outside of
the nation,
Portuguese
born outside of the nation, Portuguese born. Nothing too much
and
Portuguese born. Nothing too much and that, maybe only in the thigh
may
and that, maybe only in the thigh may be. There is going to be a lot
of
may be. There is going to be a lot of that today. It is a good
temperature
of that today. It is a good temperature in here to play
football.
temperature in here to play football. It is nice and cool, good
for
football. It is nice and cool, good for the players. It is particularly
cool
for the players. It is particularly cool pitch side because of the air
conditioning
cool pitch side because of the air conditioning systems. Some
supporters
conditioning systems. Some supporters with front row seats have
been
supporters with front row seats have been reaching for jumpers and coats.
I
been reaching for jumpers and coats. I have seen a couple of cagoules as
well.
I have seen a couple of cagoules as well. Retro. Here is the first free
kick.
well. Retro. Here is the first free kick. In South American qualifying
Ecuador
kick. In South American qualifying Ecuador scored the most goals of any
nation
Ecuador scored the most goals of any nation from set plays. This one
floated
nation from set plays. This one floated in by Estupinan. The
goalkeeper
floated in by Estupinan. The goalkeeper did not get too much on
it
goalkeeper did not get too much on it and it is bouncing inside the
penalty
it and it is bouncing inside the penalty area. And headed in by Enner
Valencia.
penalty area. And headed in by Enner Valencia. Less then three minutes
into
Valencia. Less then three minutes into the World Cup finals and the
Ecuador
into the World Cup finals and the Ecuador captain has the first goal
of
Ecuador captain has the first goal of the tournament.
of the tournament. And in doing so
has
of the tournament. And in doing so has become the first Ecuadorian to
score
has become the first Ecuadorian to score four goals at a World Cup
finals.
score four goals at a World Cup finals. What a dream start for
Ecuador
finals. What a dream start for Ecuador and their captain. A
brilliant
Ecuador and their captain. A brilliant start. There was nothing
at
brilliant start. There was nothing at all wrong with that. Get it in
the
at all wrong with that. Get it in the box, let see if they can defend.
The
the box, let see if they can defend. The keeper gets there a milisecond
too
The keeper gets there a milisecond too late. He kept it alive. It was
an
too late. He kept it alive. It was an intelligent overhead kick to put
it
an intelligent overhead kick to put it into the area. But he puts it
into
it into the area. But he puts it into an area where he has got
players
into an area where he has got players there and that is the man
you
players there and that is the man you want on the end of it. They have
got
you want on the end of it. They have got a goal early in the first game
in
got a goal early in the first game in the World Cup and it goes to
Ecuador.
in the World Cup and it goes to Ecuador. But they are known for
this.
Ecuador. But they are known for this. They put it in the box on
every
this. They put it in the box on every occasion. It does not quite
connect,
every occasion. It does not quite connect, but who is there? The
skipper.
connect, but who is there? The skipper. I will take that, thank
you.
skipper. I will take that, thank you. Al-Sheeb did not cover himself
in
you. Al-Sheeb did not cover himself in glory there, but what a moment
for
in glory there, but what a moment for Enner Valencia and Valencia and
Ecuador.
for Enner Valencia and Valencia and Ecuador. He has now got four at
World
Ecuador. He has now got four at World Cup finals. He lives off those
little
World Cup finals. He lives off those little bits, 12 yards out, he lives
of
little bits, 12 yards out, he lives of that. He comes alive, that is how
he
of that. He comes alive, that is how he gets those goals. I delay to the
celebrations
he gets those goals. I delay to the celebrations as there is a possible
offside.
celebrations as there is a possible offside. I didn't see that coming at
all.
offside. I didn't see that coming at all. A high boot maybe? I can see it
says
all. A high boot maybe? I can see it says offside clearly. Both coaches
are
says offside clearly. Both coaches are holding their breath and so too
are
are holding their breath and so too are the supporters inside the
stadium.
stadium. Offside. Goal ruled out.
That
stadium. Offside. Goal ruled out. That was the instruction in the ear
of
That was the instruction in the ear of Daniele Orsato. What a start to
this
of Daniele Orsato. What a start to this World Cup. This is the loudest
the
this World Cup. This is the loudest the stadium has been. That is
amazing.
amazing. Let's have a look at this
now.
amazing. Let's have a look at this now. The off-site has come from... I
can't
now. The off-site has come from... I can't see where it has come from,
actually.
can't see where it has come from, actually. From those pictures I
couldn't
actually. From those pictures I couldn't see and offside. Is it a
push
couldn't see and offside. Is it a push on the keeper? Maybe a fellow?
I
push on the keeper? Maybe a fellow? I cannot see any infringement there
whatsoever.
I cannot see any infringement there whatsoever. Offside, fell, the
keeper
whatsoever. Offside, fell, the keeper has come out late and he got
it
keeper has come out late and he got it all wrong. After that I don't
know
it all wrong. After that I don't know why that has been disallowed.
No
know why that has been disallowed. No idea at all. We have had six
minutes
No idea at all. We have had six minutes of Qatar 2022 and already we
have
minutes of Qatar 2022 and already we have a talking point following VAR.
The
have a talking point following VAR. The Italian official is in charge of
that.
The Italian official is in charge of that. It is as you were at 0-0.
Miguel
that. It is as you were at 0-0. Miguel for Qatar.
Miguel for Qatar. Gathered by
Galindez,
Miguel for Qatar. Gathered by Galindez, the Ecuadorian goalkeeper.
Either
Either way, it is another warning
for
Either way, it is another warning for Qatar when they give free kicks
away.
for Qatar when they give free kicks away. They will learn now to date on
your
away. They will learn now to date on your feet. Don't give any free kicks
away
your feet. Don't give any free kicks away in your own half. If you do,
get
away in your own half. If you do, get your keeper to stay on his line
and
get your keeper to stay on his line and trust the defenders to defend.
I
remember
and trust the defenders to defend. I remember back in the day if anything
like
remember back in the day if anything like that went into the box and you
heard
like that went into the box and you heard the keeper shout, you would
get
heard the keeper shout, you would get out of the way. The keeper would
take
get out of the way. The keeper would take you, the ball and everything
else.
take you, the ball and everything else. He got away with it.
Away
Away by
Away by the 24-year-old again.
He
He has
He has been dispossessed.
There
There was
There was not anyone close to him
from
There was not anyone close to him from Ecuador's point of view.
Someone
from Ecuador's point of view. Someone making a run from midfield
just
Someone making a run from midfield just to get onto that.
just to get onto that. A bit of a
gamble
just to get onto that. A bit of a gamble from midfield you need from
there,
gamble from midfield you need from there, from one of your team-mates.
Moises
Moises Caicedo's throw for Ecuador.
And
And Romario a barrow again. He plays
his
And Romario a barrow again. He plays his football in Mexico.
his football in Mexico. He did score
a
his football in Mexico. He did score a record 27 goals in qualifying.
On
On that
On that occasion the goalkeeper
opted
On that occasion the goalkeeper opted for the punch.
They have
targeted
opted for the punch. They have targeted the keeper with balls in
the
targeted the keeper with balls in the box. I'll sheep is not looking
as
the box. I'll sheep is not looking as comfortable as expected. Maybe
they
as comfortable as expected. Maybe they have looked at that.
A
A foul
A foul on
A foul on Enner Valencia. It is
going
A foul on Enner Valencia. It is going to be another test for Qatar.
Very
going to be another test for Qatar. Very sharp feet. Just a little shake
and
Very sharp feet. Just a little shake and bake to the left and he takes it
to
and bake to the left and he takes it to the right.
Have
Have Qatar learned their lesson? It
is
Have Qatar learned their lesson? It is the same player from Brighton
delivering
is the same player from Brighton delivering the free kick. Everything
is
delivering the free kick. Everything is back defending for the home
nation.
is back defending for the home nation. That was low at this time.
Recovery
Recovery from Hassan. Really good
defending.
Recovery from Hassan. Really good defending. He didn't buy the bit of
skill.
defending. He didn't buy the bit of skill. A really good tackle. That is
what
skill. A really good tackle. That is what you want from your full-backs.
The
The long
The long throw and there is the
first
The long throw and there is the first corner of the game.
It
It has
It has all been in one half at the
moment.
It has all been in one half at the moment. Ecuador keeping the ball and
moving
moment. Ecuador keeping the ball and moving it well and going from left
to
moving it well and going from left to right and making Qatar move over.
Trying
to right and making Qatar move over. Trying to find weaknesses in that
defence.
Caicedo
Caicedo is standing in the goal for
this
Caicedo is standing in the goal for this Ecuador corner. And Daniele
Orsato,
this Ecuador corner. And Daniele Orsato, the Italian referee, right
in
Orsato, the Italian referee, right in amongst it.
Gonzalo
Gonzalo Plata eventually will
deliver
Gonzalo Plata eventually will deliver this for Ecuador.
deliver this for Ecuador. The
referee
deliver this for Ecuador. The referee wants another word because
it
referee wants another word because it is a congested six yard box.
Eventually
it is a congested six yard box. Eventually Gonzalo Plata for
Ecuador.
Eventually Gonzalo Plata for Ecuador. Dealt with by the central
defender.
Good
Good corner, good header.
Hincapie,
Hincapie, plays for Bayer
Leverkusen,
Hincapie, plays for Bayer Leverkusen, the 20-year-old, highly
rated
Leverkusen, the 20-year-old, highly rated defender.
Making
Making it
Making it difficult for Ecuador to
play
Making it difficult for Ecuador to play through them. They've got to go
round
play through them. They've got to go round them if they want to get the
better
round them if they want to get the better of them. Really bad misplaced
pass
better of them. Really bad misplaced pass there.
pass there. There's your answer.
It's
pass there. There's your answer. It's the knee that was offside.
They'll
It's the knee that was offside. They'll find a way, VAR. I'm not
knocking
They'll find a way, VAR. I'm not knocking it, I'm just saying! You're
offside,
knocking it, I'm just saying! You're offside, you're offside. There is no
way
offside, you're offside. There is no way around it. Just one player it
would
way around it. Just one player it would appear between him and the
goal
would appear between him and the goal with the goalkeeper ahead of
him.
goal with the goalkeeper ahead of him. That rush of blood from Saad
Al-Sheeb.
him. That rush of blood from Saad Al-Sheeb. Uneventful first quarter
of
Al-Sheeb. Uneventful first quarter of an hour, anyway. Valencia trying
to
of an hour, anyway. Valencia trying to get on the end of it. It's a free
kick
to get on the end of it. It's a free kick to Qatar.
kick to Qatar. They'll need that
today.
kick to Qatar. They'll need that today. Khoukhi and Al-Rawi making
sure
today. Khoukhi and Al-Rawi making sure if one goes to head one comes
behind.
sure if one goes to head one comes behind. A bit of cover. Valencia
flicking
behind. A bit of cover. Valencia flicking onto one of his team-mates.
Just
flicking onto one of his team-mates. Just have a bit of cover. Didn't
reach
Just have a bit of cover. Didn't reach Afif. He's got the license to
roam
reach Afif. He's got the license to roam for Qatar but he had come
Ecuador
roam for Qatar but he had come Ecuador again. The goalkeeper
hesitated.
Ecuador again. The goalkeeper hesitated. The referee waited and
then
hesitated. The referee waited and then pointed to the spot. Just gave
himself
then pointed to the spot. Just gave himself a second there. But again,
Saad
himself a second there. But again, Saad Al-Sheeb the goalkeeper with
the
Saad Al-Sheeb the goalkeeper with the indecision. And ultimately the
discrepancy.
the indecision. And ultimately the discrepancy. You know what, the
keeper
discrepancy. You know what, the keeper is actually... Its definitely
a
keeper is actually... Its definitely a penalty, he catches his leg. The
outstretched
a penalty, he catches his leg. The outstretched arm there. Just takes
his
outstretched arm there. Just takes his leg. However, the keeper kind of
stopped
his leg. However, the keeper kind of stopped because he thought he was
going
stopped because he thought he was going to finish first time there. If
you
going to finish first time there. If you stop, you can't get to the ball.
Go
you stop, you can't get to the ball. Go and commit yourself.
Go and commit yourself. Well, Enner
Valencia
Go and commit yourself. Well, Enner Valencia thought he had his World
Cup
Valencia thought he had his World Cup record for Ecuador. That was
chalked
Cup record for Ecuador. That was chalked off with the offside VAR
decision.
chalked off with the offside VAR decision. Now he has the opportunity
to
decision. Now he has the opportunity to give Ecuador the lead from the
penalty
to give Ecuador the lead from the penalty spot.
penalty spot. The former West Ham
and
penalty spot. The former West Ham and Everton striker.
and Everton striker. Against
Al-Sheeb
and Everton striker. Against Al-Sheeb in the Qatar goals. It
definitely
Al-Sheeb in the Qatar goals. It definitely counts this time. It is
Enner
definitely counts this time. It is Enner Valencia for Ecuador. And the
South
Enner Valencia for Ecuador. And the South Americans are in front. And
now
South Americans are in front. And now he does definitely have the most
World
now he does definitely have the most World Cup goals of any Ecuadorian.
Wow.
World Cup goals of any Ecuadorian. Wow. That's confidence for you. That
is
Wow. That's confidence for you. That is a very confidently taken penalty.
Waited
is a very confidently taken penalty. Waited and waited and waited for the
keeper
Waited and waited and waited for the keeper to go down. Great
celebrations.
keeper to go down. Great celebrations. The yellow half of the
fans
celebrations. The yellow half of the fans here in the stadium. Absolutely
bouncing,
fans here in the stadium. Absolutely bouncing, scarves and flags above
their
bouncing, scarves and flags above their heads. Slow, slow, slow and
then
their heads. Slow, slow, slow and then he just sticks it in the
corner.
then he just sticks it in the corner. That's a brave penalty but
having
corner. That's a brave penalty but having scored one, his confidence is
there.
having scored one, his confidence is there. Tough to do that. I tried
that
there. Tough to do that. I tried that once, I think I did my
hamstring.
that once, I think I did my hamstring. The sea of yellow to our
rights,
hamstring. The sea of yellow to our rights, not denied this time. Enner
Valencia
rights, not denied this time. Enner Valencia does have the first goal of
the
Valencia does have the first goal of the 2022 World Cup.
Their record
scorer
the 2022 World Cup. Their record scorer now has 36 and 75 for his
nation.
scorer now has 36 and 75 for his nation. He is the response from
Qatar.
nation. He is the response from Qatar. Miguel had a little stumble.
He
Qatar. Miguel had a little stumble. He is now looking for a corner and
it's
He is now looking for a corner and it's an Ecuador free kick.
it's an Ecuador free kick. I think
now
it's an Ecuador free kick. I think now this is a chance and I feel for
the
now this is a chance and I feel for the keeper, Field for the keeper.
Made
the keeper, Field for the keeper. Made a couple of mistakes early in
the
Made a couple of mistakes early in the game, one for the earlier goal
that
the game, one for the earlier goal that wasn't given, it was offside
and
that wasn't given, it was offside and then he sort of slightly
hesitated
and then he sort of slightly hesitated as he was coming out and
gave
hesitated as he was coming out and gave the penalty away. It was a
penalty.
gave the penalty away. It was a penalty. What they need to do is try
and
penalty. What they need to do is try and stop the flow of this Ecuadorian
side,
and stop the flow of this Ecuadorian side, keeping the ball, creating
chances.
side, keeping the ball, creating chances. Keep it for a little while,
don't
chances. Keep it for a little while, don't go along too fast. Feel for
the
don't go along too fast. Feel for the ball.
the ball. Felix Torres. As expected,
Ecuador
the ball. Felix Torres. As expected, Ecuador with all the possession.
Remember
Remember the task for Qatar now
against
Remember the task for Qatar now against a team who have kept six
consecutive
against a team who have kept six consecutive clean sheets, which is a
record
consecutive clean sheets, which is a record in Ecuador's history.
They
have
record in Ecuador's history. They have been extremely well organised
and
have been extremely well organised and stable defensively. It's now
time
and stable defensively. It's now time just to stay
time just to stay in the game now.
It
time just to stay in the game now. It really is. Stay in the game,
defend
It really is. Stay in the game, defend well.
defend well. Another nervous moment
from
defend well. Another nervous moment from Al-Sheeb in the Qatar goal. A
nasty
from Al-Sheeb in the Qatar goal. A nasty sort of clumsy collision. They
seem
nasty sort of clumsy collision. They seem to be moving OK, having a bit
of
seem to be moving OK, having a bit of a stretch. It might be offside. I
think
of a stretch. It might be offside. I think it's clearly offside,
actually.
think it's clearly offside, actually. The keeper isn't quite
sure
actually. The keeper isn't quite sure what to do. It's no mans land
really
sure what to do. It's no mans land really and tries to lift it over the
keeper.
really and tries to lift it over the keeper. He's not sure the collision.
A
keeper. He's not sure the collision. A clumsy one, that. But they both
seem
A clumsy one, that. But they both seem to be OK, they are both on
their
seem to be OK, they are both on their feet. I think it was offside
from
their feet. I think it was offside from the initial hole forward.
Wanting
from the initial hole forward. Wanting a penalty, maybe. Michael
Estrada
Wanting a penalty, maybe. Michael Estrada is down. He is back on his
feet.
feet. Good pairing up top, to be
fair.
feet. Good pairing up top, to be fair. Estrada and Valencia. They
play
fair. Estrada and Valencia. They play well together.
play well together. Gustavo Alfaro
with
play well together. Gustavo Alfaro with an attacking option everywhere
it
with an attacking option everywhere it seems now. Plata. A mistake
defensively
it seems now. Plata. A mistake defensively from Catto, -- from
Qatar,
defensively from Catto, -- from Qatar, cleared by Hassan.
Qatar, cleared by Hassan. It's a
Qatar
Qatar, cleared by Hassan. It's a Qatar throw. Eventful first 20
minutes.
Qatar throw. Eventful first 20 minutes. Yes, just 20 minutes gone.
Lots
minutes. Yes, just 20 minutes gone. Lots has happened. It's been good.
The
Lots has happened. It's been good. The last time they met was in a
friendly
The last time they met was in a friendly in Doha here. It was 4-3 to
Qatar.
friendly in Doha here. It was 4-3 to Qatar. Ecuador ended up with nine
men
Qatar. Ecuador ended up with nine men that day. There is the first
yellow,
men that day. There is the first yellow, sorry, second yellow of the
opening
yellow, sorry, second yellow of the opening game.
opening game. He just gets there
first.
opening game. He just gets there first. Almoez Ali.
first. Almoez Ali. There doesn't
seem
first. Almoez Ali. There doesn't seem to be a lot of contact. May be
caught
seem to be a lot of contact. May be caught in with a stray stud, may
nothing
caught in with a stray stud, may nothing too heavy, I think.
Al-Sheeb
Al-Sheeb the goalkeeper in the
referee's
Al-Sheeb the goalkeeper in the referee's notebook and Qatar have
another
referee's notebook and Qatar have another set piece potentially to
defend.
another set piece potentially to defend. Driven towards the back post
this
defend. Driven towards the back post this time. By Hassan. Then Qatar
cannot
this time. By Hassan. Then Qatar cannot get this clear.
Just
Just to
Just to give them a moments respite.
Good
Just to give them a moments respite. Good quality going into the box as
well,
Good quality going into the box as well, Plata. It's very flat, there
is
well, Plata. It's very flat, there is no loop to it so if you're the
defender
is no loop to it so if you're the defender you can't see the ball. All
you
defender you can't see the ball. All you can see is the back of your
centre
you can see is the back of your centre forward. It's a really
difficult
centre forward. It's a really difficult one to defend.
difficult one to defend. A slip but
still
difficult one to defend. A slip but still found Plata who was able to
retrieve
still found Plata who was able to retrieve possession as well. Making
the
retrieve possession as well. Making the pitch really big at the moment.
Using
the pitch really big at the moment. Using the real witness of the pitch.
Yellow
Using the real witness of the pitch. Yellow shirts making it big. It's
more
Yellow shirts making it big. It's more area for Ecuador to run around
to
more area for Ecuador to run around to try and squeeze the ball.
Al-Sheeb's
to try and squeeze the ball. Al-Sheeb's clearance.
Al-Sheeb's clearance. Preciado for
Ecuador.
Al-Sheeb's clearance. Preciado for Ecuador. It has gone Qatar's way.
Apart
Ecuador. It has gone Qatar's way. Apart from the pressure and the
nerves
Apart from the pressure and the nerves and the honour of the opening
game
nerves and the honour of the opening game and hosting a World Cup, in
Group
game and hosting a World Cup, in Group A this is vitally important
for
Group A this is vitally important for both these nations given the
fact
for both these nations given the fact they both have the Netherlands
and
fact they both have the Netherlands and Senegal to play. You know what,
whoever
and Senegal to play. You know what, whoever gets over the line with this
game
whoever gets over the line with this game and gets the points, its points
they
game and gets the points, its points they need to take because the next
two
they need to take because the next two games will be very difficult,
very
two games will be very difficult, very different to this one. Ecuador
at
very different to this one. Ecuador at the moment are edging everything.
An
An opportunity for the host nation
to
An opportunity for the host nation to get hold of the ball.
to get hold of the ball. Boudiaf,
the
to get hold of the ball. Boudiaf, the Parris born player with the
diagonal
the Parris born player with the diagonal switch.
diagonal switch. Plata. Another
Ecuador
diagonal switch. Plata. Another Ecuador free kick.
Ecuador free kick. No where near the
ball
Ecuador free kick. No where near the ball on that one. Just taken down
there.
there. Caicedo is upon his feet
which
there. Caicedo is upon his feet which is good.
Torres
Torres to
Torres to win it back for Ecuador
and
Torres to win it back for Ecuador and Preciado. Gonzalo Plata driving
at
and Preciado. Gonzalo Plata driving at that Qatar defence.
Understandably,
at that Qatar defence. Understandably, some joy for them in
that
Understandably, some joy for them in that situation. They look really
comfortable
that situation. They look really comfortable in possession, Ecuador.
Close
comfortable in possession, Ecuador. Close to us on the left-hand side
looking
Close to us on the left-hand side looking very, very good on the ball.
Caicedo
looking very, very good on the ball. Caicedo done the right, Plata just
in
Caicedo done the right, Plata just in front of them. Playing that
diagonal
in front of them. Playing that diagonal a lot but it seems to work
for
diagonal a lot but it seems to work for them.
Confidence from Ecuador. Estupinan
with
Confidence from Ecuador. Estupinan with the most minutes of any player
in
with the most minutes of any player in the qualifiers to get here, the
Brighton
in the qualifiers to get here, the Brighton full-back. They don't over
play.
Brighton full-back. They don't over play. They do it well, they really
do.
play. They do it well, they really do. Two or three short passes and as
soon
do. Two or three short passes and as soon as they leave the midfield area
all
soon as they leave the midfield area all that central forward area, they
play
all that central forward area, they play around you, just miss out that
half
play around you, just miss out that half squeeze. It works at the
moment.
half squeeze. It works at the moment. Keeping it nice and steady
and
moment. Keeping it nice and steady and no pressure. Confident on the
ball.
and no pressure. Confident on the ball. Good technicians, waiting for
that
ball. Good technicians, waiting for that break in the line so they can
play
that break in the line so they can play through that midfield.
Estrada
Estrada was on the run. To the
20-year-old
Estrada was on the run. To the 20-year-old Hincapie instead.
Preciado...
Valencia
Valencia beaten in the air.
Yes,
Yes, I
Yes, I think there is a tell-tale
sign
Yes, I think there is a tell-tale sign of the fans enjoying
themselves.
sign of the fans enjoying themselves. They have been here a
long
themselves. They have been here a long time, bouncing about, swinging
from
long time, bouncing about, swinging from side to side, enjoying the
occasion.
from side to side, enjoying the occasion. I don't think anything is
going
occasion. I don't think anything is going to stop them enjoying the
occasion
going to stop them enjoying the occasion today, regardless of the
result.
occasion today, regardless of the result. That is Brighton's Caicedo,
the
result. That is Brighton's Caicedo, the first Ecuadorian name taken in
this
the first Ecuadorian name taken in this game. It is not a yellow for
me.
this game. It is not a yellow for me. He is unlucky there.
me. He is unlucky there. He got five
of
me. He is unlucky there. He got five of them in the last seven Premier
League
of them in the last seven Premier League games leading into this World
Cup.
Cup. Tut-tut, young man. Let's move
on.
Cup. Tut-tut, young man. Let's move on. Indeed. That is that little bit
of
on. Indeed. That is that little bit of lacking communication. Just hold
onto
of lacking communication. Just hold onto the ball, take a touch, be
secure,
onto the ball, take a touch, be secure, get your team up the pitch.
Press
Press plays his football for the
Belgium
Press plays his football for the Belgium league leaders in Ghent.
Belgium league leaders in Ghent. --
Ayrton
Belgium league leaders in Ghent. -- Ayrton Preciado.
Mendez
Mendez from Los Angeles FC.
The
The 26-year-old Argentinian.
The 26-year-old Argentinian. This is
another
The 26-year-old Argentinian. This is another promising situation for
them.
Oh,
Oh, fabulous header. He has done it
again,
Oh, fabulous header. He has done it again, Enner Valencia.
again, Enner Valencia. Two for him,
two
again, Enner Valencia. Two for him, two for Ecuador. Nothing more than
they
two for Ecuador. Nothing more than they deserve. And the captain is
making
they deserve. And the captain is making his mark in the opening game.
That
making his mark in the opening game. That is some finish, wow. It is the
ball
That is some finish, wow. It is the ball that is whipped in with pace.
Look
ball that is whipped in with pace. Look at the players, the
substitutes,
Look at the players, the substitutes, everybody is there
celebrating.
substitutes, everybody is there celebrating. This man is absolutely
on
celebrating. This man is absolutely on fire. What a header that was.
Very
on fire. What a header that was. Very difficult as well. I don't
think
Very difficult as well. I don't think he is offside this time. It
just
think he is offside this time. It just lingers around the back and the
defenders
just lingers around the back and the defenders can't see who is there.
Does
defenders can't see who is there. Does he hit in with pace question
not
Does he hit in with pace question not really. Look at that. Top of the
head.
not really. Look at that. Top of the head. Eyes closed, I'll take that
thank
head. Eyes closed, I'll take that thank very much. Our goal is a goal.
He
thank very much. Our goal is a goal. He is on two and so is Ecuador. He
got
He is on two and so is Ecuador. He got three goals in all of the World
Cup
got three goals in all of the World Cup in 2014. He has got two in the
first
Cup in 2014. He has got two in the first half, inside 32 minutes of the
opening
first half, inside 32 minutes of the opening game in 2022.
It
It has
It has been a tough start for the
home
It has been a tough start for the home nation. Hassan swinging that in
and
home nation. Hassan swinging that in and Ibarra back.
Hassan
Hassan saw his moment of glory
there.
Hassan saw his moment of glory there. Yes, he did and he didn't get
it
there. Yes, he did and he didn't get it quite right. There were another
two
it quite right. There were another two or three passes. This is an
amazing
two or three passes. This is an amazing ball in and he is just
hovering
amazing ball in and he is just hovering and they don't know where
he
hovering and they don't know where he is and they can't see him at all.
RR
he is and they can't see him at all. RR we went into Mark.
RR we went into Mark. -- Bassam
Al-Rawi.
RR we went into Mark. -- Bassam Al-Rawi. It is finding those
players.
Al-Rawi. It is finding those players. If the bull is good enough
it
players. If the bull is good enough it will find you or one of your
team-mates.
it will find you or one of your team-mates. Another free kick to
Ecuador.
team-mates. Another free kick to Ecuador. They were saying yesterday
their
Ecuador. They were saying yesterday their country has issues back home
and
their country has issues back home and that is why the Prime Minister
is
and that is why the Prime Minister is unable to be here tonight. They
hope
is unable to be here tonight. They hope that the football can lift
spirits.
hope that the football can lift spirits. Well, they certainly have
done
spirits. Well, they certainly have done so in the first 32 minutes.
That
done so in the first 32 minutes. That was Michael Estrada. No elbows,
just
That was Michael Estrada. No elbows, just a bit of contact at the side of
the
just a bit of contact at the side of the head.
So
So another Ecuador free kick to test
Quatar.
Quatar. This is a difficult one to
defend.
Estupinan's delivery.
Estupinan's delivery. Gonzalo Plata
tried
Estupinan's delivery. Gonzalo Plata tried to make his way through. .
Comfortable for Ayrton Preciado.
Don't
Comfortable for Ayrton Preciado. Don't forget after this open again,
as
Don't forget after this open again, as if you need a reminder, England
begin
as if you need a reminder, England begin their campaign tomorrow. It is
a
begin their campaign tomorrow. It is a noon start on BBC One. Gareth
Southgate
a noon start on BBC One. Gareth Southgate was back side take on
Iran.
On
On Friday
On Friday as well they face the USA.
Really
Really nice in possession, nice to
watch
Really nice in possession, nice to watch in possession. Really nice,
clean
watch in possession. Really nice, clean feet with the ball. Ecuador
looked
clean feet with the ball. Ecuador looked very comfortable in tight
situations
looked very comfortable in tight situations as well. They are patient
when
situations as well. They are patient when they have to be and they are
patient
when they have to be and they are patient to go long at times. I am
not
patient to go long at times. I am not sure how many times their keeper
has
not sure how many times their keeper has had to touch the ball to be
fair.
fair. That is a foul. Another one.
It
fair. That is a foul. Another one. It is three from Qatar. Is it? That
is
It is three from Qatar. Is it? That is frustration. He didn't need to do
that.
that. That can be painful, though.
His
that. That can be painful, though. His knee was in the side of his leg.
That
His knee was in the side of his leg. That is just pure frustration. We
can't
That is just pure frustration. We can't get on the ball, he wants to
affect
can't get on the ball, he wants to affect the game, he can't affect the
game.
So
So much
So much a
So much a celebration and smiles
with
So much a celebration and smiles with all the build-up in this
stadium.
with all the build-up in this stadium. The only people jumping up
and
stadium. The only people jumping up and down at the moment are the
supporters
and down at the moment are the supporters for Ecuador. They came
out
supporters for Ecuador. They came out of the group in 2006 when David
Beckham's
out of the group in 2006 when David Beckham's free kick broke their
hearts.
Beckham's free kick broke their hearts. He is in the stadium
tonight.
hearts. He is in the stadium tonight. Yes, he is. He sent me a
text
tonight. Yes, he is. He sent me a text to say he was on the way. He
didn't
text to say he was on the way. He didn't really. Yours is a special
number!
number! Qatar have got to be careful
with
number! Qatar have got to be careful with the yellow cards. That is three
players
with the yellow cards. That is three players now. That tells you the
story,
players now. That tells you the story, he is thinking exactly the
same
story, he is thinking exactly the same thing. Stop getting booked,
stay
same thing. Stop getting booked, stay on your feet, keep us in the
game.
stay on your feet, keep us in the game. He knows his team are better
than
game. He knows his team are better than that regards discipline wise.
They
than that regards discipline wise. They have been outplayed so far by
Ecuador.
They have been outplayed so far by Ecuador. Just stay in the game, keep
players
Ecuador. Just stay in the game, keep players on the pitch, keep your
discipline.
That
That free
That free kick was more comfortable
for
That free kick was more comfortable for our sheep in the Quatar goal. He
is
for our sheep in the Quatar goal. He is experience, it is his 85th cap
today.
is experience, it is his 85th cap today. 22 years of age.
Akram
Akram Afif, they have not been able
to
Akram Afif, they have not been able to get their star man on the ball at
all.
Ibarra
Ibarra will try and begin another
Ecuador
Ibarra will try and begin another Ecuador attack. Too easy for
Ecuador.
Ecuador attack. Too easy for Ecuador. I am not sure Valencia will
get
Ecuador. I am not sure Valencia will get to that one, though.
get to that one, though. Bassam
Al-Rawi
get to that one, though. Bassam Al-Rawi wins that particular jewel.
It
Al-Rawi wins that particular jewel. It is tough when you haven't had the
ball.
It is tough when you haven't had the ball. It is all about giving your
team-mate
ball. It is all about giving your team-mate a touch of
the ball with
Karim
team-mate a touch of the ball with Karim Boudiaf and Bassam Al-Rawi
down
Karim Boudiaf and Bassam Al-Rawi down the right-hand side. They need
to
down the right-hand side. They need to be a more patient.
Here
Here is
Here is Akram Afif deep inside his
own
Here is Akram Afif deep inside his own half getting on the ball.
Ahmed
Ahmed trying to do just that. It
happens
Ahmed trying to do just that. It happens in games when you have got
two
happens in games when you have got two standout players, Ali and Akram
Afif.
two standout players, Ali and Akram Afif. If you don't get a touch on
the
Afif. If you don't get a touch on the ball you find yourself dropping
back
the ball you find yourself dropping back and dropping back and you can't
really
back and dropping back and you can't really affect the game.
So
So the
So the final five minutes of the
first
So the final five minutes of the first half of the first game in
these
first half of the first game in these World Cup finals. Now Akram
Afif.
these World Cup finals. Now Akram Afif. Looking for a flag. It did not
go
Afif. Looking for a flag. It did not go up. He was unable to make
progress.
go up. He was unable to make progress. Mendez tidied things up
for
progress. Mendez tidied things up for Ecuador.
That
That is
That is a
That is a gold
That is a gold kick to the South
Americans.
That is a gold kick to the South Americans. Caicedo, Mendez, Torres,
or
Americans. Caicedo, Mendez, Torres, or getting back. The second one was
a
or getting back. The second one was a brilliant header. A really tough
header
a brilliant header. A really tough header at the far post. Having to
put
header at the far post. Having to put everything on it, the power and
the
put everything on it, the power and the direction. In the right place at
the
the direction. In the right place at the right time and that is the
knack.
the right time and that is the knack. He seems to have it at the
moment.
knack. He seems to have it at the moment. Please for Fenner battery
these
moment. Please for Fenner battery these days. 15 goals so far, the top
scorer
these days. 15 goals so far, the top scorer coming into these finals. We
mentioned
scorer coming into these finals. We mentioned how difficult it is at
this
mentioned how difficult it is at this time of the year having players
in
this time of the year having players in form. It is that way, if you can
get
in form. It is that way, if you can get those players in a purple patch,
get
get those players in a purple patch, get them on the pitch and they will
make
get them on the pitch and they will make a difference.
He
He is
He is down again, Enner Valencia. He
is
He is down again, Enner Valencia. He is holding his knee. Let's have a
look
is holding his knee. Let's have a look at this. Oh, he hyper extent it
there.
look at this. Oh, he hyper extent it there. Watch his knee, it goes
backwards
there. Watch his knee, it goes backwards and away where it should
not
backwards and away where it should not go. He slightly extends it.
They
are
not go. He slightly extends it. They are worrying when your knee is
forced
are worrying when your knee is forced the opposite way to where it
should
forced the opposite way to where it should go. It is kind of worrying
and
should go. It is kind of worrying and it is a horrible feeling as
well,
and it is a horrible feeling as well, your hamstring at the back of
your
well, your hamstring at the back of your knee is all stretched, and that
is
your knee is all stretched, and that is what has surprised him. I hope he
is
is what has surprised him. I hope he is OK. Like I said, those fans with
the
is OK. Like I said, those fans with the Qatar colours seems to be
enjoying
the Qatar colours seems to be enjoying themselves, regardless of
the
enjoying themselves, regardless of the result. It is a concerning side
for
the result. It is a concerning side for the captain of Ecuador. We are
now
for the captain of Ecuador. We are now seeing the stretcher come on. A
tell-tale
now seeing the stretcher come on. A tell-tale sign is when the player
does
tell-tale sign is when the player does not move his leg. Hopefully he
will
does not move his leg. Hopefully he will be OK.
Yes,
Yes, having done this myself many
times,
Yes, having done this myself many times, you are very tentative to put
the
times, you are very tentative to put the weight back on it because you
are
the weight back on it because you are expecting it to hyper extend
again.
are expecting it to hyper extend again. The body is in shock and the
front
again. The body is in shock and the front of the knee is in shock and
the
front of the knee is in shock and the back of the knee is in shock and
the
the back of the knee is in shock and the hamstring has been stretched. He
will
the hamstring has been stretched. He will need to jog it off slightly,
see
will need to jog it off slightly, see how he feels.
He's
He's keeping everything crossed like
every
He's keeping everything crossed like every Ecuadorian at the moment.
Their
every Ecuadorian at the moment. Their captain and double goal-scorer
of
Their captain and double goal-scorer of this first half is able to
continue.
of this first half is able to continue. Temporarily they are down
to
continue. Temporarily they are down to ten.
Enner
Enner Valencia has jogged back on
tentatively.
tentatively. Niguel dispossessed.
Ecuador
Ecuador very good. He looks in a bit
of
Ecuador very good. He looks in a bit of pain. Half-time is on its way so
he'll
of pain. Half-time is on its way so he'll be able to get some treatment
as
he'll be able to get some treatment as soon as possible. They want to
keep
as soon as possible. They want to keep him on the pitch but there want
to
keep him on the pitch but there want to keep him on if he is OK, that's
very
to keep him on if he is OK, that's very important.
very important. Long from Felix
Torres,
very important. Long from Felix Torres, Valencia jumping.
Torres, Valencia jumping. There will
be
Torres, Valencia jumping. There will be five more minutes of this first
half
be five more minutes of this first half after those injuries and of
course
half after those injuries and of course the VAR decision to rule out
Valencia's
course the VAR decision to rule out Valencia's goal inside three
minutes.
Al-Haydos, the captain of Qatar.
This
This is
This is better, this is better.
Trying
This is better, this is better. Trying to play yourself through
those
Trying to play yourself through those thirds, get yourself into
midfield
those thirds, get yourself into midfield like this. Don't force it.
It's
midfield like this. Don't force it. It's the longest period of
possession
It's the longest period of possession of the first half. Even
if
possession of the first half. Even if they're not really making much
progress,
if they're not really making much progress, their confidence will
start
progress, their confidence will start to build, you can do this, get
a
start to build, you can do this, get a team-mate Aitken the game and it's
a
a team-mate Aitken the game and it's a start. They'd been outplayed today
but
a start. They'd been outplayed today but stay in the game. Yes, it's 2-0
but
but stay in the game. Yes, it's 2-0 but stay in the game and make sure
it
but stay in the game and make sure it doesn't become a rout.
That
That diagonal ball again. The touch
was
That diagonal ball again. The touch was a heavy one.
Gonzalo
Gonzalo Plata plays his football in
Spain
Gonzalo Plata plays his football in Spain for real Valladolid.
Spain for real Valladolid. Has
plenty
Spain for real Valladolid. Has plenty of thinking and imminently
talking
plenty of thinking and imminently talking to do. Absolutely, important
team
talking to do. Absolutely, important team talk for the boss. To try and
get
team talk for the boss. To try and get his players' spirits up, get
them
get his players' spirits up, get them ready for the second half.
Enner
them ready for the second half. Enner Valencia looks to be moving
freely
Enner Valencia looks to be moving freely which is good news. Yes, it
does
freely which is good news. Yes, it does take a bit of time. He's just
dropped
does take a bit of time. He's just dropped into that midfield area,
trying
dropped into that midfield area, trying to get onto it. The more he
stays
trying to get onto it. The more he stays on the pitch, the more he gets
moving,
stays on the pitch, the more he gets moving, twists and turns, it will
become
moving, twists and turns, it will become a lot easier. It will become
effective
become a lot easier. It will become effective again.
Preciado's ball forward. It's gone
Qatar's
Preciado's ball forward. It's gone Qatar's way.
Qatar's way. Finding it difficult,
Qatar,
Qatar's way. Finding it difficult, Qatar, there is a free kick or
should
Qatar, there is a free kick or should I say blatant push in the
back.
should I say blatant push in the back. Got that one spot on. Physical
battles,
back. Got that one spot on. Physical battles, quality on the ball, speed
of
battles, quality on the ball, speed of movement, runs in behind all
better
of movement, runs in behind all better by Ecuador and Qatar finding
it
better by Ecuador and Qatar finding it difficult to deal with.
it difficult to deal with. Free kick
to
it difficult to deal with. Free kick to the host nation in the final
minute
to the host nation in the final minute of stoppage time in this
first
minute of stoppage time in this first half.
Al-Haydos
Al-Haydos with an opportunity.
Almoez
Al-Haydos with an opportunity. Almoez Ali. The only opportunity for
Qatar
Almoez Ali. The only opportunity for Qatar in this first half and it was
a
Qatar in this first half and it was a clear-cut one. It was, it's a
tough
a clear-cut one. It was, it's a tough finish because it comes on
quickly
tough finish because it comes on quickly and it's better football as
well,
quickly and it's better football as well, enough the line, manoeuvring
the
well, enough the line, manoeuvring the ball out. There he is and all he
has
the ball out. There he is and all he has to do is connect because on this
occasion,
has to do is connect because on this occasion, unlike Valencia's goal, he
has
occasion, unlike Valencia's goal, he has to get it on target, no
direction,
has to get it on target, no direction, no power, just get it on
target.
direction, no power, just get it on target. And he knows his man should
be
target. And he knows his man should be hitting the target and he should
really
be hitting the target and he should really be 2-1. That man in your
picture
really be 2-1. That man in your picture is the difference for
Ecuador,
picture is the difference for Ecuador, Enner Valencia, two goals,
one
Ecuador, Enner Valencia, two goals, one from the penalty spot.
STUDIO:
one from the penalty spot. STUDIO: The worst possible start for
the
STUDIO: The worst possible start for the host nation, terrific start for
the
the host nation, terrific start for the team in yellow and Valencia in
particular.
the team in yellow and Valencia in particular. He is hobbling a bit, I
don't
particular. He is hobbling a bit, I don't know if he'll feature in the
second
don't know if he'll feature in the second half. Let's hope his OK
because
second half. Let's hope his OK because he put on quite a show in
the
because he put on quite a show in the first half. Both Valencia and
Ecuador,
the first half. Both Valencia and Ecuador, it's been total dominance
really,
Ecuador, it's been total dominance really, other than that last second
there
really, other than that last second there when he should have put the
ball
there when he should have put the ball in the back of the net. That
was
ball in the back of the net. That was the only touch on the whole
first
was the only touch on the whole first half so that tells you how
one-sided
first half so that tells you how one-sided it's been. It's been men
against
one-sided it's been. It's been men against boys, really, they are too
good
against boys, really, they are too good for them in that first half.
You
good for them in that first half. You think it's a case of difference
in
You think it's a case of difference in ability or it's been a bit too
much
in ability or it's been a bit too much for the Qataris? Way too much
and
much for the Qataris? Way too much and it's the physicality and tempo
they
and it's the physicality and tempo they can't handle, in transitions
where
they can't handle, in transitions where there so direct, they're so
out
where there so direct, they're so out of shape and spread. Ecuador
have
out of shape and spread. Ecuador have hit them through the middle and
they
have hit them through the middle and they can't handle it. The coach was
worried
they can't handle it. The coach was worried about the physicality of his
team.
worried about the physicality of his team. It really shows, yes, they've
been
team. It really shows, yes, they've been together since June but in
terms
been together since June but in terms of playing against competitive
competition
terms of playing against competitive competition week in week out, you
can
competition week in week out, you can see the difference. Ecuador will
be
can see the difference. Ecuador will be delighted with their first-half
performance.
be delighted with their first-half performance. What a great start to a
campaign
performance. What a great start to a campaign for them. I think they've
come
campaign for them. I think they've come out, I told you Enner Valencia
is
come out, I told you Enner Valencia is a good guy, he's been lively. I
think
is a good guy, he's been lively. I think they been in total control,
they've
think they been in total control, they've had comfortable possession
at
they've had comfortable possession at the back. They been able to pick
their
at the back. They been able to pick their times when I wanted to go and
cut
their times when I wanted to go and cut through the Qatar team. He could
conceivably
cut through the Qatar team. He could conceivably have a hat-trick. If
conceivably have a hat-trick. If it
had
conceivably have a hat-trick. If it had been given as a goal, if things
were
had been given as a goal, if things were different, it doesn't
automatically
were different, it doesn't automatically follow suit. Two the
only
automatically follow suit. Two the only person watching this in the
world
only person watching this in the world that thinks this is offside.
The
world that thinks this is offside. The ball goes up, the there and with
thinking,
The ball goes up, the there and with thinking, OK, it's not a high kick
there,
thinking, OK, it's not a high kick there, he wins the header there.
They're
there, he wins the header there. They're headed there in back of the
net.
They're headed there in back of the net. Technically you could make an
argument...
net. Technically you could make an argument... Well, he has. It goes up
and
argument... Well, he has. It goes up and it bounces and fiddles around a
bit.
and it bounces and fiddles around a bit. But, really? It's not what VAR
is
bit. But, really? It's not what VAR is for? Absurd. Everybody watching
the
is for? Absurd. Everybody watching the game just went, goal. There the
header.
the game just went, goal. There the header. I mean... Peculiar. Madness.
The
header. I mean... Peculiar. Madness. The sad thing is is that you have
60,000
The sad thing is is that you have 60,000 in the stadium and no one had
a
60,000 in the stadium and no one had a clue, millions around the world,
no
a clue, millions around the world, no one had a clue what was going on.
There's
no one had a clue what was going on. There's just no information being
fed
There's just no information being fed back. That can't be right. Not
right
fed back. That can't be right. Not right at all. But he did get his
goal,
right at all. But he did get his goal, in fact he got two in the end.
And
goal, in fact he got two in the end. And it all came off once again the
transition
And it all came off once again the transition and Qatar not being able
to
transition and Qatar not being able to handle it and organised it. You
get
to handle it and organised it. You get carried away, you see the
pressure
get carried away, you see the pressure and you're like, yes, we
are
pressure and you're like, yes, we are on the attack. Look how direct
Ecuador
are on the attack. Look how direct Ecuador is, within three passes
straight
Ecuador is, within three passes straight down the middle here. It's
a
straight down the middle here. It's a great run by Valencia. But they
just
a great run by Valencia. But they just can't handle it. I was always
told,
just can't handle it. I was always told, always still think defence and
attack
told, always still think defence and attack because that's where you can
be
attack because that's where you can be left wide open, you really have
to
be left wide open, you really have to be switched on and organised and
it
to be switched on and organised and it shows defensively they couldn't
handle
it shows defensively they couldn't handle it with this one and,
actually,
handle it with this one and, actually, your mate, what a great
guy.
actually, your mate, what a great guy. Didn't need VAR for that one.
With
guy. Didn't need VAR for that one. With aid they might have given
offside
With aid they might have given offside for the penalty. LAUGHTER
He
offside for the penalty. LAUGHTER He was very cool, wasn't he? So
cool.
He was very cool, wasn't he? So cool. It was a good run for him to
win
cool. It was a good run for him to win a penalty in the first place but
in
win a penalty in the first place but in this kind of situation he just
had
in this kind of situation he just had the goal disallowed, the stadium
opening
had the goal disallowed, the stadium opening game for him to casually
roll
opening game for him to casually roll it shows the character he is.
Valencia
roll it shows the character he is. Valencia got all three of his
efforts
Valencia got all three of his efforts in 2014 as well. You need
that
efforts in 2014 as well. You need that because he would have told you
that
that because he would have told you that in the dressing room. Leading
by
that in the dressing room. Leading by example, that bit of experience,
what
by example, that bit of experience, what we were talking about before
playing
what we were talking about before playing in the Premier League, you
can
playing in the Premier League, you can see it. He is one of those
players
can see it. He is one of those players in that Ecuador team that
just
players in that Ecuador team that just settles everyone's nurse before
the
just settles everyone's nurse before the game, and just the way he
performed,
the game, and just the way he performed, I think it was a good
strong
performed, I think it was a good strong first half. Second goal
getting
strong first half. Second goal getting that cushion. Cracking
header
getting that cushion. Cracking header or just came off his ear and
sneaked
header or just came off his ear and sneaked in the corner? You are
moaning
sneaked in the corner? You are moaning about how it wasn't a clean
header
moaning about how it wasn't a clean header and all that. It doesn't
matter
header and all that. It doesn't matter if it goes in the net! First,
the
matter if it goes in the net! First, the ball was unbelievable. What's
clever
the ball was unbelievable. What's clever about it... It's a great
header.
clever about it... It's a great header. He's used the experience, he
is
header. He's used the experience, he is popping up in between the
centre-back,
is popping up in between the centre-back, the full-back and now
as
centre-back, the full-back and now as a centre-half he's checked, he's
seen
as a centre-half he's checked, he's seen where he is, he stays just on
his
seen where he is, he stays just on his shoulder, just out of sight, I
think
his shoulder, just out of sight, I think the ball will drop between the
sticks.
think the ball will drop between the sticks. It's a great goal. He's in
the
sticks. It's a great goal. He's in the penalty spot the. He does really
well
the penalty spot the. He does really well in terms of driving that ball
forward
well in terms of driving that ball forward but the cross from Preciado
is
forward but the cross from Preciado is unbelievable. There's nothing
fluky
is unbelievable. There's nothing fluky about that. I never said there
was!
fluky about that. I never said there was! I said it was a cracking
header.
was! I said it was a cracking header. Great header. It certainly
was.
header. Great header. It certainly was. He's taken a bit of punishment,
hopefully
was. He's taken a bit of punishment, hopefully he's all right because it
would
hopefully he's all right because it would be a real shame if he were
struggling.
would be a real shame if he were struggling. They are obviously going
about
struggling. They are obviously going about it and thinking, he's
obviously
about it and thinking, he's obviously the danger man and he's
had
obviously the danger man and he's had to take a couple of heavy
tackles
had to take a couple of heavy tackles and he limped off at
half-time.
tackles and he limped off at half-time. I hope he is. Will be
thinking,
half-time. I hope he is. Will be thinking, more goals in that second
half
thinking, more goals in that second half because they will get chances.
The
half because they will get chances. The other one was his own doing. It
didn't
The other one was his own doing. It didn't look particularly bad but
then...
didn't look particularly bad but then... Yeah. Automatically at this
stage
then... Yeah. Automatically at this stage of the tournament, it's the
first
stage of the tournament, it's the first half of the first game of the
World
first half of the first game of the World Cup, when you've got a golden
boot
World Cup, when you've got a golden boot contender you don't want him
limping
boot contender you don't want him limping off. I mean, Qatar had one
chance
limping off. I mean, Qatar had one chance in that half but it was a
great
chance in that half but it was a great chance. The only touch in the
18-yard
great chance. The only touch in the 18-yard box and it was the last
couple
18-yard box and it was the last couple of seconds. The only bit of
good
couple of seconds. The only bit of good play they've had. I mentioned
the
the cross
the cross from Preciado, that's
another
the cross from Preciado, that's another beauty. Can we agree that
wasn't
another beauty. Can we agree that wasn't a good header? Were in
agreement.
wasn't a good header? Were in agreement. He took his eye off the
ball.
agreement. He took his eye off the ball. He just needed to head it on
target.
ball. He just needed to head it on target. It was almost a bit too
high.
target. It was almost a bit too high. Sometimes you try to take the
weight
high. Sometimes you try to take the weight off when it's like that but
he
weight off when it's like that but he took too much of. Just needed to
get
he took too much of. Just needed to get it on target. It was put on a
plate
get it on target. It was put on a plate for him. Just get it in
between
plate for him. Just get it in between the sticks but unfortunately
he
between the sticks but unfortunately he couldn't.
will need to jog it off slightly, see how he feels.
I
I would
I would encourage you to stick with
us
I would encourage you to stick with us for the second half, but if you
are
us for the second half, but if you are on the move, you can always take
the
are on the move, you can always take the World Cup with you. Capture all
the
the World Cup with you. Capture all the World Cup pod casts. We bring
you
the World Cup pod casts. We bring you the biggest names in the game
from
you the biggest names in the game from Qatar.
from Qatar. Take the Fifa World Cup
with
from Qatar. Take the Fifa World Cup with you. Listen on BBC Sounds.
A
new
with you. Listen on BBC Sounds. A new BBC Sport documentary, How To
Win
new BBC Sport documentary, How To Win The World Cup is on iPlayer. The
top
Win The World Cup is on iPlayer. The top ten World Cup pod cast are also
on
top ten World Cup pod cast are also on iPlayer and BBC Sounds. We have
got
on iPlayer and BBC Sounds. We have got highlights of Wales versus USA
tomorrow
got highlights of Wales versus USA tomorrow on BBC One at 20 minutes to
11.
tomorrow on BBC One at 20 minutes to 11. England versus Iran,
ammunition. Permission granted. SAS Rogue Heroes, watch all episodes on
BBC
Rogue Heroes, watch all episodes on BBC iPlayer. Time for our own SAS,
Kelly
BBC iPlayer. Time for our own SAS, Kelly Somers and Gareth Southgate.
Kelly
Kelly Somers and Gareth Southgate. Kelly caught up with the manager
ahead
Kelly caught up with the manager ahead of the opening game against
Iraq.
Iraq. Gareth, it has been 12 years
since
Iraq. Gareth, it has been 12 years since Qatar were awarded this World
Cup
since Qatar were awarded this World Cup and there has been so much talk
about
Cup and there has been so much talk about the off pitch issues. Have you
been
about the off pitch issues. Have you been able to just focus on the
football?
been able to just focus on the football? We have faced those
questions
football? We have faced those questions for over a year. We
understand
questions for over a year. We understand it, we have tried to
educate
understand it, we have tried to educate ourselves in what exactly
were
educate ourselves in what exactly were the situations here and we have
to
were the situations here and we have to now focus on the game will stop
your
to now focus on the game will stop your record at major tournaments as
a
your record at major tournaments as a manager is excellent, your form
recently
a manager is excellent, your form recently maybe has not been quite as
you
recently maybe has not been quite as you would have wanted it to be. Does
that
you would have wanted it to be. Does that concern you at all? No, because
when
that concern you at all? No, because when we talk about form, it is not
like
when we talk about form, it is not like we were playing a week ago or
two
like we were playing a week ago or two weeks ago. It is months ago and
the
two weeks ago. It is months ago and the narrative that built was around
the
the narrative that built was around the summer when we were looking at
so
the summer when we were looking at so many different players. We now
have
so many different players. We now have that great moment where the
experience
have that great moment where the experience of the tournament is in
the
experience of the tournament is in the past and the excitement of the
players
the past and the excitement of the players is forward-looking. We are
viewing
players is forward-looking. We are viewing that is a great challenge,
not
viewing that is a great challenge, not a burden at all. In terms of
your
not a burden at all. In terms of your availability for the opening
game,
your availability for the opening game, how are the squad looking?
Pretty
game, how are the squad looking? Pretty good. It is a bit early for
Kyle
Pretty good. It is a bit early for Kyle Walker, James Maddison will not
make
Kyle Walker, James Maddison will not make the first game, we have not got
him
make the first game, we have not got him on the training pitch yet. How
confident
him on the training pitch yet. How confident are you that you can do
what
confident are you that you can do what you have done a previous major
tournaments
what you have done a previous major tournaments and potentially go one
better
tournaments and potentially go one better two the aim is to go one step
further.
better two the aim is to go one step further. Amongst ourselves as a
group
further. Amongst ourselves as a group we have talked about the big
picture,
group we have talked about the big picture, but you have to get the
start
picture, but you have to get the start point right and we have to
play
start point right and we have to play well against Iran and starred
in
play well against Iran and starred in a positive way and start to take
the
in a positive way and start to take the country on another journey with
us.
the country on another journey with us. That is our focus now. Best of
luck,
us. That is our focus now. Best of luck, Gareth. Thank you very much.
Wales
luck, Gareth. Thank you very much. Wales have also been carrying out
their
Wales have also been carrying out their final media duties this
afternoon.
their final media duties this afternoon. I am delighted to say
that
afternoon. I am delighted to say that Wales manager Rob Page joins us
live
that Wales manager Rob Page joins us live from the team hotel. Hello,
Rob.
live from the team hotel. Hello, Rob. The wait is nearly over. 64
long
Rob. The wait is nearly over. 64 long years, we will come onto the
team
long years, we will come onto the team in a moment, but this is a huge
occasion
team in a moment, but this is a huge occasion for you. It is a long way
from
occasion for you. It is a long way from Tylorstown. Good evening, all.
It
from Tylorstown. Good evening, all. It is, Gary, and it was great to go
back
It is, Gary, and it was great to go back to my old town and do the squad
announcement,
back to my old town and do the squad announcement, it was a lovely touch.
It
announcement, it was a lovely touch. It means so much for us as a country
to
It means so much for us as a country to qualify for the World Cup and
seeing
to qualify for the World Cup and seeing the supporters on their
travels
seeing the supporters on their travels this morning, we saw them at
Cardiff
travels this morning, we saw them at Cardiff airport on the way over and
it
Cardiff airport on the way over and it was incredible. And the
commitment
it was incredible. And the commitment they have shown, I stand
by
commitment they have shown, I stand by it, we would not be sat here
today
by it, we would not be sat here today preparing for our first game
in
today preparing for our first game in the World Cup without them. It
was
in the World Cup without them. It was important on the first two home
ties
was important on the first two home ties to get us across the line. It
certainly
ties to get us across the line. It certainly was. The USA tomorrow.
Everyone
certainly was. The USA tomorrow. Everyone is fit and ready other than
Joe
Everyone is fit and ready other than Joe Allen. How big a loss is that
for
Joe Allen. How big a loss is that for you? Yes, Joe has been key to
our
for you? Yes, Joe has been key to our success and is a big part of the
squad
our success and is a big part of the squad and is an experienced player
and
squad and is an experienced player and has been in previous
competitions
and has been in previous competitions and previous
tournaments
competitions and previous tournaments for us and done really
well,
tournaments for us and done really well, so it will be a big miss for
us,
well, so it will be a big miss for us, but it gives others an
opportunity
us, but it gives others an opportunity to step up and take the
jersey
opportunity to step up and take the jersey and show what they can do.
Can
jersey and show what they can do. Can you share who that might be? No.
It
Can you share who that might be? No. It was worth a go. The team has not
shied
It was worth a go. The team has not shied away from some of the issues
surrounding
shied away from some of the issues surrounding Qatar. Is that something
you
surrounding Qatar. Is that something you felt that was important to
address?
you felt that was important to address? Yes, it has been difficult,
hasn't
address? Yes, it has been difficult, hasn't it? We have been thrown many
questions
hasn't it? We have been thrown many questions over the last few months
and
questions over the last few months and what we want is long-term
change.
and what we want is long-term change. If the tournament can help
achieve
change. If the tournament can help achieve that, then great. We are
going
achieve that, then great. We are going to wear the one Love armband
and
going to wear the one Love armband and we have said that all along, we
are
and we have said that all along, we are going to continue to champion
that
are going to continue to champion that and we are going to wear the
armband.
that and we are going to wear the armband. That is something we are
passionate
armband. That is something we are passionate about. With regards to
everything
passionate about. With regards to everything else we want to focus on
the
everything else we want to focus on the football. The game is 24 hours
away
the football. The game is 24 hours away and we are looking forward to
it.
away and we are looking forward to it. Nothing takes away from the
achievement
it. Nothing takes away from the achievement of Wales being at a
World
achievement of Wales being at a World Cup. You are out of town when
Wales
World Cup. You are out of town when Wales were playing at the Euros and
you
Wales were playing at the Euros and you are following in the footsteps
of
you are following in the footsteps of Jimmy Murphy from 1958. How
special
of Jimmy Murphy from 1958. How special is it for you? For me
personally
special is it for you? For me personally it is an incredible
journey
personally it is an incredible journey that we have been on in the
past
journey that we have been on in the past couple of years. I was the
assistant
past couple of years. I was the assistant and to now be leading them
in
assistant and to now be leading them in the World Cup you dream about
that
in the World Cup you dream about that as a kid and you dream about
playing
that as a kid and you dream about playing in the World Cup. I didn't
quite
playing in the World Cup. I didn't quite get there as a player, but to
do
quite get there as a player, but to do it as a manager is incredible and
what
do it as a manager is incredible and what we have got in the changing
room
what we have got in the changing room with a group of players we have
got
room with a group of players we have got is credit to them, they deserve
all
got is credit to them, they deserve all the plaudits they are going to
get.
all the plaudits they are going to get. But now we are here we will
give
get. But now we are here we will give a good account of ourselves and
show
give a good account of ourselves and show the world what we have. Good
luck.
show the world what we have. Good luck. Exciting times for Wales.
luck. Exciting times for Wales. No?
Not
luck. Exciting times for Wales. No? Not close? I will take it.
Confident?
Not close? I will take it. Confident? To be honest Wales were
humble
Confident? To be honest Wales were humble enough to appreciate just
being
humble enough to appreciate just being here. But now we are here we
have
being here. But now we are here we have been to the last few
tournaments
have been to the last few tournaments with a bit of experience
behind
tournaments with a bit of experience behind us and we want to make a bit
of
behind us and we want to make a bit of difference. He is humble and he
has
of difference. He is humble and he has got a great relationship with
the
has got a great relationship with the boys and embodies everything
about
the boys and embodies everything about the team. Ecuador and Qatar
are
about the team. Ecuador and Qatar are on the team. Gareth Southgate
has
are on the team. Gareth Southgate has said England players will take
the
has said England players will take the knee before the game tomorrow
against
the knee before the game tomorrow against Iran. We think it is a
strong
against Iran. We think it is a strong statement that will go around
the
strong statement that will go around the world, especially for young
people
the world, especially for young people to show inclusivity is
important.
people to show inclusivity is important. Let's hand back to Steve
Bauer
important. Let's hand back to Steve Bauer and Dion Dublin.
Thanks,
Thanks, Gary, no change for either
coach
Thanks, Gary, no change for either coach and that is good news for
Ecuador
coach and that is good news for Ecuador and Enner Valencia because
he
Ecuador and Enner Valencia because he is out for the second half. He
went
he is out for the second half. He went down, holding his knee towards
the
went down, holding his knee towards the end of the first.
the end of the first. A great relief
for
the end of the first. A great relief for everyone connected to his
nation.
for everyone connected to his nation. Felix Sanchez, the
Catalonian,
nation. Felix Sanchez, the Catalonian, knew it would not be
straightforward.
Catalonian, knew it would not be straightforward. He knows his team
have
straightforward. He knows his team have to score next.
The
The 18th
The 18th different nation to host
the
The 18th different nation to host the tournament. It will be Ecuador
in
the tournament. It will be Ecuador in all yellow to get us under way in
this
in all yellow to get us under way in this second half.
this second half. Two goals to the
good.
What
What might have been the Qatar
message
What might have been the Qatar message at half-time, Dion? It is a
tough
message at half-time, Dion? It is a tough one to call because you don't
want
tough one to call because you don't want to go down the throats of your
players
want to go down the throats of your players and allow them to go into
their
players and allow them to go into their shell. You want them to keep
their
their shell. You want them to keep their confidence up, but there has
to
their confidence up, but there has to be a message of more energy,
don't
to be a message of more energy, don't get bounced off the ball so
much,
don't get bounced off the ball so much, have confidence in your own
ability.
much, have confidence in your own ability. We can play a bit. Show us
you
ability. We can play a bit. Show us you can play a bit.
Toys
Toys for
Toys for Ecuador caught in
possession.
possession. Mendez is the holding
midfield
possession. Mendez is the holding midfield player. Anytime they have
got
midfield player. Anytime they have got in the area they have been
quickly
got in the area they have been quickly closed and dispossessed.
Just
quickly closed and dispossessed. Just that little bit more care with
their
Just that little bit more care with their passing. Make sure the ball
gets
their passing. Make sure the ball gets to the intended target. Akram
Afif
gets to the intended target. Akram Afif can't find Ali. They had the
chance
Afif can't find Ali. They had the chance right on the stroke of
half-time,
chance right on the stroke of half-time, Qatar.
He
He felt
He felt he was pulled back but the
Italian
He felt he was pulled back but the Italian referee didn't agree. They
have
Italian referee didn't agree. They have started fast again, straight
down
have started fast again, straight down the left-hand side again. Got a
lot
down the left-hand side again. Got a lot of joy in the first half down
the
lot of joy in the first half down the left-hand side, Ecuador. I was
saying
the left-hand side, Ecuador. I was saying that Qatar have had a lot of
passes
saying that Qatar have had a lot of passes that have been intercepted by
Ecuador.
passes that have been intercepted by Ecuador. They just need to take a
little
Ecuador. They just need to take a little bit more care, making sure
that
little bit more care, making sure that the ball gets there.
That
That was
That was Mendez closing down again
and
That was Mendez closing down again and this time he has been penalised.
It
and this time he has been penalised. It happened a lot in the first half
when
It happened a lot in the first half when anybody in a Qatar shirt had
the
when anybody in a Qatar shirt had the ball and they got pressurised
and
the ball and they got pressurised and bundled over or they lost
control
and bundled over or they lost control of the ball or it was too
strong
control of the ball or it was too strong for them. They don't need to
get
strong for them. They don't need to get too close, they need to keep
moving
get too close, they need to keep moving the ball quicker, they can't
get
moving the ball quicker, they can't get too close and they need to keep
it
get too close and they need to keep it physical. Make the team work
hard.
Qatar
Qatar shocked many by winning the
Asian
Qatar shocked many by winning the Asian cup in 2019 for the first time
in
Asian cup in 2019 for the first time in their history. They beat Japan in
the
in their history. They beat Japan in the final in Abu Dhabi.
Felix
Felix Sanchez really did make his
mark
Felix Sanchez really did make his mark in the victory in that
tournament.
mark in the victory in that tournament. Ten years in Barcelona's
academy
tournament. Ten years in Barcelona's academy coaching. Didn't play the
game
academy coaching. Didn't play the game professionally, but he has
risen
game professionally, but he has risen through the ranks and cut out
to
risen through the ranks and cut out to this fairy tale really. For today
and
to this fairy tale really. For today and the rest of this tournament.
Valencia
and the rest of this tournament. Valencia looking for the second
ball.
Given
Given away by Ali. That is the
little
Given away by Ali. That is the little bit of care I am talking
about.
little bit of care I am talking about. Qatar are having to work hard
to
about. Qatar are having to work hard to get the ball back and when you
get
to get the ball back and when you get it back you can't just give it
away
get it back you can't just give it away easily because you will find
yourself
away easily because you will find yourself running around trying to
get
yourself running around trying to get the ball all the time. Just try
and
get the ball all the time. Just try and keep it. Don't try anything
fancy.
and keep it. Don't try anything fancy. Give it to your team-mate.
Pass
fancy. Give it to your team-mate. Pass the ball.
Miguel
Miguel with the throw for Qatar.
A
A promising situation. Ibarra was
looking
A promising situation. Ibarra was looking for the pull-back. Too many
options
looking for the pull-back. Too many options there. Do I go by myself? Do
I
options there. Do I go by myself? Do I pick out one of my team-mates?
Should
I pick out one of my team-mates? Should have been better with that
break,
Should have been better with that break, that half chance.
Valencia
Valencia with the block. Estrada
with
Valencia with the block. Estrada with a lovely first touch.
Cleared
Cleared only as far as Mendez.
Cleared only as far as Mendez. I'm
not
Cleared only as far as Mendez. I'm not sure what Preciado has seen
there,
not sure what Preciado has seen there, to be honest. Got that one
wrong.
there, to be honest. Got that one wrong. He's held his hand up.
Sometimes
wrong. He's held his hand up. Sometimes that happens. The rare
occasion
Sometimes that happens. The rare occasion you are not speaking from
experience.
Offside
Offside flag was up there
Offside flag was up there before
Torres
Offside flag was up there before Torres cleared it. It's tough for
Qatar.
Qatar. Lazy forward play, that is.
Get
Qatar. Lazy forward play, that is. Get yourself into a position, an
onside
Get yourself into a position, an onside position. Need to make a
chance
onside position. Need to make a chance to get up the pitch.
chance to get up the pitch. That was
useful.
chance to get up the pitch. That was useful. Plata ticket in his stride.
There
useful. Plata ticket in his stride. There is a cross, it was behind
Valencia.
There is a cross, it was behind Valencia. Estrada had the swing.
Lovely
Valencia. Estrada had the swing. Lovely to watch. Very, very
comfortable.
Lovely to watch. Very, very comfortable. Look at his take. He
takes
comfortable. Look at his take. He takes it with his right. Stays on
his
takes it with his right. Stays on his feet. Puts in a lovely ball as
well.
his feet. Puts in a lovely ball as well. Just nudges it away, just
enough.
well. Just nudges it away, just enough. Couple of hands on the
floor,
enough. Couple of hands on the floor, a bit of balance. It's good
to
floor, a bit of balance. It's good to see. He tries to create. Three
goals
to see. He tries to create. Three goals in qualifying as well.
Previously
goals in qualifying as well. Previously with Sporting Lisbon in
his
Previously with Sporting Lisbon in his career. Al-Rawi will speak Qatar
player
his career. Al-Rawi will speak Qatar player down. -- was the Qatar player
down.
24-year-old under pressure.
24-year-old under pressure. Forward
from
24-year-old under pressure. Forward from Al-Sheeb, the goalkeeper.
Estupinan
Estupinan penalised. A nudge in the
back.
Estupinan penalised. A nudge in the back. Try to pull the wool over the
referee's
back. Try to pull the wool over the referee's eyes. A little lean on the
back
referee's eyes. A little lean on the back of the lower back there.
back of the lower back there. A good
one
back of the lower back there. A good one for Al-Rawi. Got to scamper back
now.
one for Al-Rawi. Got to scamper back now. That's a beautifully weighted
pass.
now. That's a beautifully weighted pass. Denied by Al-Sheeb.
pass. Denied by Al-Sheeb. Al-Rawi is
the
pass. Denied by Al-Sheeb. Al-Rawi is the most relieved Qatar player.
Here,
the most relieved Qatar player. Here, Ecuador again.
Here, Ecuador again. Valencia. He's
got
Here, Ecuador again. Valencia. He's got the throw. It's becoming a bit
too
got the throw. It's becoming a bit too easy for Ecuador at the moment.
They
too easy for Ecuador at the moment. They are trying to take the
difficult
They are trying to take the difficult option. Take on your left
foot,
difficult option. Take on your left foot, you've got two or three yards
on
foot, you've got two or three yards on the defender. He's never getting
back,
on the defender. He's never getting back, Al-Sheeb. Making the save look
easy.
back, Al-Sheeb. Making the save look easy. Nice height, bombed it away
out
easy. Nice height, bombed it away out of danger. The throw from
Preciado.
out of danger. The throw from Preciado. Almost given away by Afif.
Who
Preciado. Almost given away by Afif. Who was then fouled and there is
another
Who was then fouled and there is another yellow card.
another yellow card. Mendez joining
Preciado
another yellow card. Mendez joining Preciado for Ecuador. It's a clumsy
challenge.
Preciado for Ecuador. It's a clumsy challenge. It's a very, very clumsy
challenge. It's a very, very clumsy challenge. Catches him on the inside
of
challenge. Catches him on the inside of the shin.
Hassan
Hassan trying to switch place with
the
Hassan trying to switch place with the gal. Halted by Estupinan.
There
There has
There has been assurance and
confidence
There has been assurance and confidence from Ecuador from minute
one.
confidence from Ecuador from minute one. They are showing their quality
and
one. They are showing their quality and choosing the right times to go
forward
and choosing the right times to go forward and to go through the
thirds.
forward and to go through the thirds. Just trying to sack Qatar
out
thirds. Just trying to sack Qatar out individually. So they can play
around
out individually. So they can play around them. Technically they are a
bit
around them. Technically they are a bit better as well. The shape is
better.
bit better as well. The shape is better. Understanding of each
other's
better. Understanding of each other's game is better as well. This
is
other's game is better as well. This is game management. Making sure that
you
is game management. Making sure that you keep the ball in the right
areas.
A
A little
A little bit of skill there. No way
back
A little bit of skill there. No way back there. Hatem, left shin on left
shin.
shin. Ecuador beaten just once in 15
games.
shin. Ecuador beaten just once in 15 games. They held both Brazil and
Argentina
games. They held both Brazil and Argentina in qualifying.
Argentina in qualifying. They also
have
Argentina in qualifying. They also have the youngest starting XI of all
South
have the youngest starting XI of all South American qualifiers. There is
a
South American qualifiers. There is a real excitement about their nation
at
a real excitement about their nation at the moment.
You
You see
You see when they pass the ball
about,
You see when they pass the ball about, you can see their first touch
is
about, you can see their first touch is superior, which allows them to
have
is superior, which allows them to have more time on the ball, allows
them
have more time on the ball, allows them to get their head up because
the
them to get their head up because the quality is there, they're not
having
the quality is there, they're not having to look down at the ball,
make
having to look down at the ball, make sure their first touch right.
Lots
make sure their first touch right. Lots of options, lots of time.
Preciado
Preciado preventing that from
getting
Preciado preventing that from getting to Ahmed on the Qatar left.
Just
getting to Ahmed on the Qatar left. Just overstretched there, Angelo
Preciado.
Preciado. Did he fall funny? He's
holding
Preciado. Did he fall funny? He's holding his hip, his thigh. Not sure
what
holding his hip, his thigh. Not sure what he could have done there.
what he could have done there. Could
be
what he could have done there. Could be anything. Just reading the game
better,
be anything. Just reading the game better, aren't they? Knowing what's
going
better, aren't they? Knowing what's going to happen before it happens,
knowledge
going to happen before it happens, knowledge of the game, sliding in
here.
knowledge of the game, sliding in here. He's up and then he's down
again.
here. He's up and then he's down again. Grimace.
His
His debut
His debut four years ago, he's been
a
His debut four years ago, he's been a permanent fixture ever since then.
13
a permanent fixture ever since then. 13 times he played in qualifying.
Key
13 times he played in qualifying. Key to the way that man wants to
play.
Key to the way that man wants to play. Down to ten, Ecuador.
He
He wanted
He wanted that header more. Some
commitment
He wanted that header more. Some commitment there on the far post.
Leaves
commitment there on the far post. Leaves his run very, very late.
Leaves his run very, very late. It's
not
Leaves his run very, very late. It's not a bad header, you know. Good 15,
16
not a bad header, you know. Good 15, 16 yards out. Very, very good
header.
16 yards out. Very, very good header. I've got to say. He only
scored
header. I've got to say. He only scored one international goal in his
83
scored one international goal in his 83 games. There's still time for
him.
him. The
him. The right back for Ecuador
Preciado
him. The right back for Ecuador Preciado is back on.
Preciado is back on. No sign of
changes
Preciado is back on. No sign of changes or any movements off the
bench.
changes or any movements off the bench. Nothing at all. The Subs are
warming
bench. Nothing at all. The Subs are warming up. Nobody has been called
back.
warming up. Nobody has been called back. Or anything as yet. Do the
warm
back. Or anything as yet. Do the warm up in front of the manager so
he
warm up in front of the manager so he can see you, get some star jumps.
Come
he can see you, get some star jumps. Come on.
Come on. Towards Miguel. Offside
flag
Come on. Towards Miguel. Offside flag goes up.
A
A tight
A tight one there.
One
One from
One from the goalkeeper Galindez.
Away
Away by
Away by Hassan. He doesn't need that
many
Away by Hassan. He doesn't need that many touches. The more you take
touches
many touches. The more you take touches as a defender, the more the
opposing
touches as a defender, the more the opposing side have a chance to edge
forward,
opposing side have a chance to edge forward, edged forward, the party
want
forward, edged forward, the party want to make is then gone because
you're
want to make is then gone because you're taking too many touches. Into
the
you're taking too many touches. Into the midfield, into the players that
can
the midfield, into the players that can play.
can play. Ibarra can't get that
under
can play. Ibarra can't get that under control. Apart from that one
moment,
under control. Apart from that one moment, just right on the stroke of
half-time,
moment, just right on the stroke of half-time, the only touch we had
inside
half-time, the only touch we had inside the Ecuador penalty area and
they've
inside the Ecuador penalty area and they've had very little to shout
about
they've had very little to shout about but they are determined to
enjoy
about but they are determined to enjoy the occasion tonight. They are
enjoying
enjoy the occasion tonight. They are enjoying themselves. Whatever the
outcome.
enjoying themselves. Whatever the outcome. As far as they are
concerned,
outcome. As far as they are concerned, this very long wait is
over.
Is
Is slowly
Is slowly running out of ideas at
the
Is slowly running out of ideas at the moment, Qatar, not quite sure
how
the moment, Qatar, not quite sure how to approach this run of getting
back
how to approach this run of getting back in this game. What do they do,
do
back in this game. What do they do, do they go long, go short? They
haven't
do they go long, go short? They haven't got the players out there in
order
haven't got the players out there in order to effect the game at the
moment.
A
A sea
A sea of
A sea of yellow away to our right
hand
A sea of yellow away to our right hand side, Ecuador supporters.
Terrific
hand side, Ecuador supporters. Terrific voice.
It
It is
It is a
It is a Qatar throw.
It is a Qatar throw. Ecuador making
their
It is a Qatar throw. Ecuador making their first change in the form of
the
their first change in the form of the third Brighton player in their
squad.
the third Brighton player in their squad. Jeremy
squad. Jeremy Sarmiento. His arrival
is
squad. Jeremy Sarmiento. His arrival is imminent.
It
It is
It is an
It is an Ecuador free kick.
So
So the
So the Premier League contingent is
going
So the Premier League contingent is going to be expanded.
going to be expanded. So it is.
He
He barrow
He barrow departs.
He barrow departs. Played
predominantly
He barrow departs. Played predominantly down the left-hand
side.
predominantly down the left-hand side. Popped up on the other side
occasionally.
side. Popped up on the other side occasionally. Created a few chances.
His
occasionally. Created a few chances. His story is he was born in Madrid
and
His story is he was born in Madrid and went to England at the age of
seven.
and went to England at the age of seven. Was in the Charlton Academy,
then
seven. Was in the Charlton Academy, then the Benfica one. Then he
arrived
then the Benfica one. Then he arrived at Brighton where he has
appeared
arrived at Brighton where he has appeared twice off the bench in the
Premier
appeared twice off the bench in the Premier League this season. Yes, a
decent
Premier League this season. Yes, a decent player. A good footballer,
and
decent player. A good footballer, and I am pretty sure they were some
fresh
and I am pretty sure they were some fresh highlights in the hair I have
got
fresh highlights in the hair I have got to say. He looked very sharp
when
got to say. He looked very sharp when he came on the pitch. I am just
jealous,
when he came on the pitch. I am just jealous, by the way.
It
It is
It is his
It is his tenth cap for Ecuador.
Playing
It is his tenth cap for Ecuador. Playing alongside his team-mate
Caicedo.
Playing alongside his team-mate Caicedo. Estrada has gone for the
return
Caicedo. Estrada has gone for the return here. They might still be
able
return here. They might still be able to make something of this. He
didn't
able to make something of this. He didn't get the free kick he was
looking
didn't get the free kick he was looking for.
Gonzalo
Gonzalo Plata, twisting one way and
then
Gonzalo Plata, twisting one way and then the other. Valencia was just
behind
then the other. Valencia was just behind him.
Al-Haydos.
Boudiaf.
Boudiaf. Al-Haydos dispossessed by
Sarmiento.
Sarmiento. A little left-footed
Brighton
Sarmiento. A little left-footed Brighton triangle now. Yes.
Brighton triangle now. Yes. With
Jeremy
Brighton triangle now. Yes. With Jeremy Sarmiento coming on in the ad
is
Jeremy Sarmiento coming on in the ad is a bit more quality. A change for
Qatar.
Mohammad
Mohammad Waad is coming on. We will
introduce
Mohammad Waad is coming on. We will introduce some fresh ideas. Yes, you
do.
introduce some fresh ideas. Yes, you do. Let's see if he can change the
momentum
do. Let's see if he can change the momentum of the game. Before that
Qatar
momentum of the game. Before that Qatar have to defend another free
kick.
Qatar have to defend another free kick. Floated in towards Estrada.
Torres
kick. Floated in towards Estrada. Torres are trying to make something
of
Torres are trying to make something of it as well. It is an Ecuador
throw.
of it as well. It is an Ecuador throw. Before that, a double change
for
throw. Before that, a double change for Qatar.
for Qatar. Al-Haydos is the first to
make
for Qatar. Al-Haydos is the first to make way. His 159th cap is over. He
hands
make way. His 159th cap is over. He hands it to the goalkeeper,
Al-Sheeb.
Al-Sheeb. Almoez Ali will not become
Qatar's
Al-Sheeb. Almoez Ali will not become Qatar's record goalkeeper tonight.
He
Qatar's record goalkeeper tonight. He is well has departed and
He is well has departed and it is
Mohammad
He is well has departed and it is Mohammad Montanari who is coming on
for
Mohammad Montanari who is coming on for his 54th cap.
He
He was
He was caught, another free kick.
Another
He was caught, another free kick. Another free kick in that wide area
down
Another free kick in that wide area down the left-hand side. They have
put
down the left-hand side. They have put in a really good quality. I
think
put in a really good quality. I think he might just catch him on his
foot.
think he might just catch him on his foot. Yes, just on the back of his
Achilles.
foot. Yes, just on the back of his Achilles. He might have taken a bit
of
Achilles. He might have taken a bit of his boot off as well, but this is
more
of his boot off as well, but this is more problems for Qatar. This has
been
more problems for Qatar. This has been pulled back right to the edge
of
been pulled back right to the edge of the box. There might be something
on
of the box. There might be something on here. Right in front of their own
fans.
fans. No
fans. No shortage of targets here
for
fans. No shortage of targets here for Ecuador.
Estupinan
Estupinan is poised to deliver it.
With
With that
With that left foot he was trying to
curl
With that left foot he was trying to curl that one in towards the left
post.
post. It
post. It is an Ecuador throw.
post. It is an Ecuador throw. He is
the
post. It is an Ecuador throw. He is the first man. Everyone else has
gone
the first man. Everyone else has gone into the worst area.
The
The controlled manner from Ecuador
continues.
Unfortunate for Estrada. A reminder,
after
Unfortunate for Estrada. A reminder, after today our next live game, as
if
after today our next live game, as if you need reminding, England
opening
if you need reminding, England opening against Iran tomorrow on BBC
One
opening against Iran tomorrow on BBC One from 12 noon.
Neatly
Neatly done for Qatar.
Miguel
Miguel swinging in a cross for the
first
Miguel swinging in a cross for the first time. Goes to Ahmed. Akram
Afif
first time. Goes to Ahmed. Akram Afif is going to have a go. There
was
Afif is going to have a go. There was a roar from the home supporters
before
was a roar from the home supporters before he had even struck the ball
in
before he had even struck the ball in anticipation. They just moved the
ball
in anticipation. They just moved the ball a bit quicker and that the
left-hand
ball a bit quicker and that the left-hand side. He was 25 or 30
yards
left-hand side. He was 25 or 30 yards out, but they found an
opening.
yards out, but they found an opening. Albeit 25 yards on the
angle
opening. Albeit 25 yards on the angle where he found a little bit of
space.
angle where he found a little bit of space. Better football late in the
game,
space. Better football late in the game, too late in the game. Somebody
is
game, too late in the game. Somebody is down.
is down. It is Valencia holding that
knee
is down. It is Valencia holding that knee again. Exactly, yes. Yes, that
is
knee again. Exactly, yes. Yes, that is the knee he injured in the first
half
is the knee he injured in the first half when he hyper extended
half when he hyper extended his left
knee.
half when he hyper extended his left knee. Because he has not featured
too
knee. Because he has not featured too heavily in the second half he
might
too heavily in the second half he might have started to seize up with
stiffness
might have started to seize up with stiffness and aching as well. It is
just
stiffness and aching as well. It is just below the kneecap at the front
as
just below the kneecap at the front as well. A great finish, though,
look
as well. A great finish, though, look at that. A good header.
Listening
look at that. A good header. Listening to Gary and Alan at
half-time,
Listening to Gary and Alan at half-time, any connection is a good
connection
half-time, any connection is a good connection if it goes into the back
of
connection if it goes into the back of the net. He scored three times in
2014
of the net. He scored three times in 2014 and he has scored twice already
in
2014 and he has scored twice already in 2022. Nobody has scored more
World
in 2022. Nobody has scored more World Cup goals for Ecuador than
Valencia.
World Cup goals for Ecuador than Valencia. The 23-year-old from Los
Angeles
Valencia. The 23-year-old from Los Angeles FC comes on for his fourth
cap.
We
We are
We are into the last quarter of an
hour,
We are into the last quarter of an hour, Dion, there must have been
moments
hour, Dion, there must have been moments in the first half where
Qatar
moments in the first half where Qatar feared a real drubbing. I
believe
Qatar feared a real drubbing. I believe that Ecuador have found this
pretty
believe that Ecuador have found this pretty easy to stop it is a lot
easier
pretty easy to stop it is a lot easier than they thought it was
going
easier than they thought it was going to be. They have managed the
game
going to be. They have managed the game well. It could have been three
or
game well. It could have been three or four if they were a little bit
more
or four if they were a little bit more potent going forward. But at
the
more potent going forward. But at the moment they have done enough,
they
the moment they have done enough, they really have. It is a yellow
card
they really have. It is a yellow card for Akram Afif this time. I
don't
card for Akram Afif this time. I don't know what he is thinking
there,
don't know what he is thinking there, Akram Afif. He completely
showed
there, Akram Afif. He completely showed his studs. Right on the top
of
showed his studs. Right on the top of the player's foot. It has got to
be
of the player's foot. It has got to be very, very painful, I have got to
say.
be very, very painful, I have got to say. He is limping but he is OK.
Mendez
Mendez with the free kick.
That
That is
That is a
That is a beautifully flighted ball.
And
That is a beautifully flighted ball. And here is the chance. Oh,
Sarmiento,
And here is the chance. Oh, Sarmiento, the Brighton player was
offside
Sarmiento, the Brighton player was offside anyway. He will be delighted
to
offside anyway. He will be delighted to see that flag. It might have been
him
to see that flag. It might have been him who was offside. He may have
gone
him who was offside. He may have gone early.
gone early. Yes, it goes early and
it
gone early. Yes, it goes early and it hits his shoulder as well. That
may
it hits his shoulder as well. That may have deemed him in play. He is
thinking
may have deemed him in play. He is thinking to himself, I missed a
great
thinking to himself, I missed a great chance.
I
I think
I think the quality has shone
through.
I think the quality has shone through. Qatar have found themselves
struggling
through. Qatar have found themselves struggling with a lack of quality, a
lack
struggling with a lack of quality, a lack of ideas. I mentioned the
importance
lack of ideas. I mentioned the importance of this game in terms of
progression
importance of this game in terms of progression from Group A. What have
you
progression from Group A. What have you made of Ecuador? Is it difficult
to
you made of Ecuador? Is it difficult to judge against a nation like
Qatar?
to judge against a nation like Qatar? Maybe, but you can only play
your
Qatar? Maybe, but you can only play your game and apply your talent. The
team
your game and apply your talent. The team in front of you have done their
job
team in front of you have done their job tonight. They have not had to go
through
job tonight. They have not had to go through the gears too much. They
have
through the gears too much. They have got far too much quality, but
they
have got far too much quality, but they have started well. They come
again
they have started well. They come again with Plata.
again with Plata. It has gone to
Estupinan
again with Plata. It has gone to Estupinan now. Another goal would
equal
Estupinan now. Another goal would equal Ecuador's biggest ever World
Cup
equal Ecuador's biggest ever World Cup win. See pointers overheated.
It
It is
It is just finding those little
pockets.
pockets. Plata was a milisecond of
it
pockets. Plata was a milisecond of it and tries to pull out.
Sarmiento
Sarmiento forcing the mistake from
the
Sarmiento forcing the mistake from the goalkeeper, Al-Sheeb. He is not
happy
the goalkeeper, Al-Sheeb. He is not happy at all, is he? He must be
thinking,
happy at all, is he? He must be thinking, show me a bit of
confidence,
thinking, show me a bit of confidence, show me what you can do.
He
confidence, show me what you can do. He knows their quality is not as
good
He knows their quality is not as good as Ecuador, but the player on
the
good as Ecuador, but the player on the ball at the moment for Qatar has
not
the ball at the moment for Qatar has not got an option. He is having to
take
not got an option. He is having to take a touch and take a touch and
wait
take a touch and take a touch and wait for that player to get into eye
contact,
wait for that player to get into eye contact, but he is not there.
Mendez
Mendez Court. By the
Mendez Court. By the substitute
Waad.
Mendez Court. By the substitute Waad. He's holding his face, I'm not
sure
Waad. He's holding his face, I'm not sure he's made contact there...
Forearm
sure he's made contact there... Forearm smash. Or a clothes line.
Either
Forearm smash. Or a clothes line. Either way, it's illegal. Maybe that
was
Either way, it's illegal. Maybe that was one for the older folk, forearm
smash.
was one for the older folk, forearm smash. I don't know what you're
talking
smash. I don't know what you're talking about!
talking about! Not for the first
time,
talking about! Not for the first time, the test of Qatar from an
Ecuador
time, the test of Qatar from an Ecuador set play. Swung in by Plata.
To
Ecuador set play. Swung in by Plata. To date the Torres. To bake there
from
To date the Torres. To bake there from Plata. Trying to put it in that
danger
from Plata. Trying to put it in that danger area. A bit too much on it. A
big
danger area. A bit too much on it. A big smile on the face of Enner
Valencia.
big smile on the face of Enner Valencia. Look at that maintenance,
making
Valencia. Look at that maintenance, making sure the knee is OK, get the
swelling
making sure the knee is OK, get the swelling down as soon as possible.
Very
swelling down as soon as possible. Very rarely can you treat an injury
when
Very rarely can you treat an injury when it's small and so get the
swelling
when it's small and so get the swelling down and you can make it
more
swelling down and you can make it more comfortable for the next game.
Very
more comfortable for the next game. Very proud personal accolade for the
West
Very proud personal accolade for the West Ham and Everton striker this
evening.
evening. Cifuentes fouling Hassan.
It
evening. Cifuentes fouling Hassan. It is so difficult for a nation
playing
It is so difficult for a nation playing their first ever World Cup
match.
playing their first ever World Cup match. None of the last 13 World Cup
debut
match. None of the last 13 World Cup debut tenants have been able to win
the
debut tenants have been able to win the opening game. We have to go back
to
the opening game. We have to go back to 2002 for the shock result for
Senegal.
Cynical
Cynical are the next opponents in
Group
Cynical are the next opponents in Group E for Qatar. --
Senegal.
Afif
Afif dispossessed. For on three
here,
Afif dispossessed. For on three here, Ecuador. They forced them
wide.
here, Ecuador. They forced them wide. Estrada couldn't keep it in. A
bit
wide. Estrada couldn't keep it in. A bit heavy with the pass there,
Sarmiento.
Sarmiento. If it's 0-0 and Sarmiento
has
Sarmiento. If it's 0-0 and Sarmiento has that ball at his feet he'll make
sure
has that ball at his feet he'll make sure that ball finds his team-mate.
Took
sure that ball finds his team-mate. Took it first time. Just for a split
second,
Took it first time. Just for a split second, the substitute thought he
had
second, the substitute thought he had etched his name in Qatar
history.
had etched his name in Qatar history. Lovely run, look at that.
We
history. Lovely run, look at that. We call that one run for the
defender
We call that one run for the defender which is towards the ball
and
defender which is towards the ball and as you go towards the ball he
comes
and as you go towards the ball he comes up, really tight behind and
you
comes up, really tight behind and you go in behind and he's unlucky.
Has
you go in behind and he's unlucky. Has to take it first time but it's
bouncing
Has to take it first time but it's bouncing lovely, it just puts a bit
too
bouncing lovely, it just puts a bit too much on it. He knows it, as
well.
Crossfield from Al-Rawi. Miguel
again
Crossfield from Al-Rawi. Miguel again jumping. It's come through to
Afif.
Afif. Uncomfortable for Galindez in
the
Afif. Uncomfortable for Galindez in the Ecuador goal.
the Ecuador goal. I want to see a
bit
the Ecuador goal. I want to see a bit more of Afif. They are 2-0 down
and
bit more of Afif. They are 2-0 down and they've had a ball. Not the
result
and they've had a ball. Not the result they wanted obviously but
they've
result they wanted obviously but they've enjoyed it, they've sung,
waved
they've enjoyed it, they've sung, waved flags, scarves, they've had a
really
waved flags, scarves, they've had a really good day today. They've
created
really good day today. They've created a very good atmosphere. It's
a
created a very good atmosphere. It's a proud moment for Felix Sanchez
down
a proud moment for Felix Sanchez down there. When he first came to
Doha
down there. When he first came to Doha in 2006 there were 200
registered
Doha in 2006 there were 200 registered footballers and that
figure
registered footballers and that figure is now 6000. Wow. The
wonderful
figure is now 6000. Wow. The wonderful Aspire Academy that they
had
wonderful Aspire Academy that they had expanded over the years to
produce
had expanded over the years to produce players and help them. Tim
Cahill
produce players and help them. Tim Cahill is now the sporting director
of
Cahill is now the sporting director of it as well. He's only got to make
it
of it as well. He's only got to make it a better place, Timmy Cahill.
He's
it a better place, Timmy Cahill. He's only got to make sure more
players
He's only got to make sure more players come through. He knows his
stuff.
players come through. He knows his stuff. Tim, I wish you all the best.
Ecuador
stuff. Tim, I wish you all the best. Ecuador have another corner. A
couple
Ecuador have another corner. A couple of minutes of the 90
remaining.
Plata's
Plata's delivery dealt with by
Al-Rawi
Plata's delivery dealt with by Al-Rawi at the near post. A bit of
fatigue
Al-Rawi at the near post. A bit of fatigue there. That stage of the
game
fatigue there. That stage of the game now when you get a bit leggy.
You've
game now when you get a bit leggy. You've done your job, you've got
over
You've done your job, you've got over the line. As soon as the
fatigue
over the line. As soon as the fatigue sets in its the mind that
goes
fatigue sets in its the mind that goes first before the body, I've got
to
goes first before the body, I've got to say.
Plata.
Plata. Dispossessed by Ahmed. He was
outnumbered.
outnumbered. Double change here for
Ecuador.
outnumbered. Double change here for Ecuador. Alan Franco and Kevin
Rodriguez
Ecuador. Alan Franco and Kevin Rodriguez are going to come on. Many
expected
Rodriguez are going to come on. Many expected the experienced Alan Franco
to
expected the experienced Alan Franco to play. From the
to play. From the start, Estrada...
Captain's
to play. From the start, Estrada... Captain's armband goes to Estupinan.
Lively,
Captain's armband goes to Estupinan. Lively, Estrada. He did well today,
put
Lively, Estrada. He did well today, put a shift in. Caicedo also taking
a
put a shift in. Caicedo also taking a rest. Two key players for Ecuador.
The
a rest. Two key players for Ecuador. The big moment for Kevin Rodriguez,
just
The big moment for Kevin Rodriguez, just his second ever cap. He made
his
just his second ever cap. He made his debut last week in a friendly
against
his debut last week in a friendly against Iraq and he plays in the
second
against Iraq and he plays in the second tier in Ecuador. Along with
Alan
second tier in Ecuador. Along with Alan Franco. A big moment for him to
appear
Alan Franco. A big moment for him to appear at a World Cup. Five minutes
of
appear at a World Cup. Five minutes of time added on at the end of the
second
of time added on at the end of the second half, just as there was at
the
second half, just as there was at the first.
The
The stadium has emptied rather a lot
vertically
The stadium has emptied rather a lot vertically towards the end of this
second
vertically towards the end of this second half. But those who remain
are
second half. But those who remain are still hoping to see Qatar score
a
are still hoping to see Qatar score a World Cup goal.
Hatem
Hatem gets it back from Afif.
Hatem gets it back from Afif. Backed
by
Hatem gets it back from Afif. Backed by Rodriguez. Sarmiento is on the
run.
The
The stadium has emptied out quite a
fair
The stadium has emptied out quite a fair bit but the group of yellow to
our
fair bit but the group of yellow to our right hand a group of red to our
left
our right hand a group of red to our left haven't budged. They had
stayed,
left haven't budged. They had stayed, they've sung, they've
enjoyed
stayed, they've sung, they've enjoyed it.
enjoyed it. This is the furthest
stadium
enjoyed it. This is the furthest stadium out of the centre of Doha.
40
stadium out of the centre of Doha. 40 kilometres north in Al Khor.
England
40 kilometres north in Al Khor. England will be here on Friday to
take
England will be here on Friday to take on the USA.
take on the USA. As far as this game
is
is concerned, it was won, done and
dusted
is concerned, it was won, done and dusted in the first 45. Yes, it was.
And
dusted in the first 45. Yes, it was. And it was done with potency in the
final
And it was done with potency in the final third. Valencia just showing
their
final third. Valencia just showing their quality. That's the word of
the
their quality. That's the word of the day, quality. The quality from
Ecuador
the day, quality. The quality from Ecuador could have been better and
the
Ecuador could have been better and the ideas in the way they've
approached
the ideas in the way they've approached the game, in a very
professional
approached the game, in a very professional manner -- the quality
from
professional manner -- the quality from Ecuador has been better. Qatar
have
from Ecuador has been better. Qatar have had a go but the quality hasn't
been
have had a go but the quality hasn't been there. Some individual players
that
been there. Some individual players that could make things happen but
today
that could make things happen but today they haven't had the ball in
order
today they haven't had the ball in order to do that. As it stands, it's
about
order to do that. As it stands, it's about Qatar have got to do a lot
more
about Qatar have got to do a lot more if they want to get any points
in
more if they want to get any points in this competition.
This,
This, remember, will be a seventh
consecutive
This, remember, will be a seventh consecutive clean sheet for Ecuador
in
consecutive clean sheet for Ecuador in international football, which
only
in international football, which only extends their national record.
It's
only extends their national record. It's only been under threat on one
occasion,
It's only been under threat on one occasion, right at the end of the
first
occasion, right at the end of the first half with a chance for Almoez
Ali.
first half with a chance for Almoez Ali. This is the time to Ecuador to
get
Ali. This is the time to Ecuador to get a third.
get a third. Al-Rawi stays down. I
think
get a third. Al-Rawi stays down. I think he took one in the face. Plata
trying
think he took one in the face. Plata trying to link it to the far post.
Final
trying to link it to the far post. Final minute of stoppage time, then.
Estupinan's corner was an inviting
one.
Estupinan's corner was an inviting one. Rodriguez was closest to it.
That
one. Rodriguez was closest to it. That would have been some story.
Coming
That would have been some story. Coming on, a couple of minutes. He
throws
Coming on, a couple of minutes. He throws himself at this one. He
doesn't
throws himself at this one. He doesn't quite have full view of the
ball
doesn't quite have full view of the ball on his way onto his head.
Guides
ball on his way onto his head. Guides it wide. A good chance,
though.
though. It a Qatar corner, if there
is
though. It a Qatar corner, if there is time. Last chance to get another
bit
is time. Last chance to get another bit of noise from the stadium may
be.
bit of noise from the stadium may be. Afif is taking this on.
be. Afif is taking this on. In from
Afif.
be. Afif is taking this on. In from Afif. Dealt with comfortably. And
the
Afif. Dealt with comfortably. And the opening game of the 2022 World
Cup
the opening game of the 2022 World Cup goes Ecuador's way. As they look
to
Cup goes Ecuador's way. As they look to reach the knockout stages for the
second
to reach the knockout stages for the second time in their history, they
have
second time in their history, they have the winning start. A game won
and
have the winning start. A game won and won comfortably in a dominant
first
and won comfortably in a dominant first 45. Courtesy of two goals from
Enner
first 45. Courtesy of two goals from Enner Valencia. To add to his three
from
Enner Valencia. To add to his three from Brazil in 2014. A big smile on
his
from Brazil in 2014. A big smile on his face. Qatar unfortunately become
the
his face. Qatar unfortunately become the first host to lose an opening
game
the first host to lose an opening game of a World Cup. And at one
stage,
game of a World Cup. And at one stage, it looked like it was going
to
stage, it looked like it was going to be more than the two they
conceded.
to be more than the two they conceded. One down and it's gone
Ecuador's
conceded. One down and it's gone Ecuador's way. It's finished Ecuador
2-0
Ecuador's way. It's finished Ecuador 2-0 Qatar.
Yes,
Yes, we
Yes, we are off and running and that
means
Yes, we are off and running and that means Group 8 looks like this. You
don't
means Group 8 looks like this. You don't need to be terribly good at
mathematics.
don't need to be terribly good at mathematics. It will be 3.2 Ecuador.
Netherlands
mathematics. It will be 3.2 Ecuador. Netherlands will play against
Senegal
Netherlands will play against Senegal tomorrow. There it is.
Overall,
Senegal tomorrow. There it is. Overall, there was quite a chasm
between
Overall, there was quite a chasm between these two teams. Yes, it was
a
between these two teams. Yes, it was a poor second half. Ecuador managed
it
a poor second half. Ecuador managed it really well and there was no way
that
it really well and there was no way that Qatar were getting back into
the
that Qatar were getting back into the game. They kept the ball when
they
the game. They kept the ball when they had to without being too much
of
they had to without being too much of a threat themselves. It was very
flat,
of a threat themselves. It was very flat, the second half. Even the
crowds
flat, the second half. Even the crowds disappear just after
half-time.
crowds disappear just after half-time. They did, a lot of them,
a
half-time. They did, a lot of them, a lot of empty seats. They avoided
embarrassment
a lot of empty seats. They avoided embarrassment in the second half,
Qatar.
embarrassment in the second half, Qatar. That was down to Ecuador not
coming
Qatar. That was down to Ecuador not coming out and really not asserting
themselves.
coming out and really not asserting themselves. Settling for what they
got.
themselves. Settling for what they got. The disappointing thing for
Qatar
got. The disappointing thing for Qatar was when they did manage to
get
Qatar was when they did manage to get possession, they gave it away
and
get possession, they gave it away and they were not sure what to do.
It
and they were not sure what to do. It is potentially along group stage
for
It is potentially along group stage for them. It could be and a short
time
for them. It could be and a short time possibly. There is a real gulf
between
time possibly. There is a real gulf between the quality of the players
on
between the quality of the players on either side. Ultimately that is
what
on either side. Ultimately that is what it comes down to in football,
isn't
what it comes down to in football, isn't it? I think Qatar could not
get
isn't it? I think Qatar could not get themselves into it. They could
not
get themselves into it. They could not build anything, they could not
get
not build anything, they could not get out of their own half and
Ecuador
get out of their own half and Ecuador was set for the press and to
win
Ecuador was set for the press and to win it back. It turned out to be a
bit
win it back. It turned out to be a bit of a training exercise for
Ecuador.
bit of a training exercise for Ecuador. I think they were wise the
way
Ecuador. I think they were wise the way they played and they probably
conserved
way they played and they probably conserved some energy for the
difficult
conserved some energy for the difficult games they have got left
in
difficult games they have got left in the group stage. As Allen said,
it
in the group stage. As Allen said, it was a flat second half, but
Ecuador
it was a flat second half, but Ecuador professionally got the job
done.
Ecuador professionally got the job done. Let's run ourselves through
the
done. Let's run ourselves through the key moments. The first one came
very
the key moments. The first one came very early in the match. We thought
Ecuador
very early in the match. We thought Ecuador had taken an early lead, but
we
Ecuador had taken an early lead, but we were a bit baffled by the madness
that
we were a bit baffled by the madness that is VIR in the way it is used.
So
that is VIR in the way it is used. So is the rest of the world. We were
all
So is the rest of the world. We were all trying to figure out what was
going
all trying to figure out what was going on because there was no
information
going on because there was no information given at all. They have
got
information given at all. They have got to sort that out. It is an
entertainment
got to sort that out. It is an entertainment business. It comes
from
entertainment business. It comes from that header.
The
The people who are the most
important
The people who are the most important ones are the fans. There
was
important ones are the fans. There was nothing at all. There was no
information
was nothing at all. There was no information given. OK by the letter
of
information given. OK by the letter of the law. It was baffling I think.
Valencia
of the law. It was baffling I think. Valencia didn't have to wait too
much
Valencia didn't have to wait too much longer for his first goal of
the
much longer for his first goal of the tournament. It came from a
penalty
the tournament. It came from a penalty and it was fair. Originally
from
penalty and it was fair. Originally from a transition and Qatar were
giving
from a transition and Qatar were giving away possession and it was
very
giving away possession and it was very sloppy. This shows how Ecuador
are
very sloppy. This shows how Ecuador are so quick and direct between
three
are so quick and direct between three passes and picking out the
right
three passes and picking out the right parts here and then a great
one
right parts here and then a great one and you are through on goal.
That
one and you are through on goal. That was a common theme throughout
the
That was a common theme throughout the full 90 minutes. Hitting them
through
the full 90 minutes. Hitting them through the middle. But, a blatant
penalty,
through the middle. But, a blatant penalty, no deliberations about that
and
penalty, no deliberations about that and so calmly taken. Especially
considering
and so calmly taken. Especially considering what happened before.
Did
considering what happened before. Did you see the online training and
the
Did you see the online training and the runs on games? He was not on for
the
the runs on games? He was not on for the penalties, but what he did do
that
the penalties, but what he did do that I have seen today that he did
in
that I have seen today that he did in training is he is always in
between
in training is he is always in between defenders, always between a
full-back
between defenders, always between a full-back and a centre-back, always
being
full-back and a centre-back, always being between the two centre-backs
and
being between the two centre-backs and he did it the whole night and it
is
and he did it the whole night and it is very clever. It is difficult as a
centre-back
is very clever. It is difficult as a centre-back when you always have to
check
centre-back when you always have to check to see where the striker is.
He
check to see where the striker is. He was never Mark and he was always
picking
He was never Mark and he was always picking up those pockets and
extrrarer
picking up those pockets and extrrarer would play in behind him
in
extrrarer would play in behind him in midfield and as we saw on the
penalty
in midfield and as we saw on the penalty goal, a good pass and
Valencia
penalty goal, a good pass and Valencia were stretching. It was a
perfect
Valencia were stretching. It was a perfect example of that on the
second
perfect example of that on the second goal. Yes, it was. The cross
into
second goal. Yes, it was. The cross into the box was fantastic. He does
really
into the box was fantastic. He does really well to win the ball and
driving
really well to win the ball and driving his team forward, but the
cross
driving his team forward, but the cross is the impressive thing. No
other
cross is the impressive thing. No other thought than whip it in and
get
other thought than whip it in and get it in and get on the end of it.
Exactly
get it in and get on the end of it. Exactly what you want as a striker.
It
Exactly what you want as a striker. It is a dream, this ball. A
magnificent
It is a dream, this ball. A magnificent header. They are the
cross
magnificent header. They are the cross as you work on as a full-back
or
cross as you work on as a full-back or a winner and sometimes you don't
have
or a winner and sometimes you don't have to look. Hopefully the striker
will
have to look. Hopefully the striker will be there to get on the end of
it.
will be there to get on the end of it. There are so many winners that
don't
it. There are so many winners that don't do that, Alex, I can tell you,
and
don't do that, Alex, I can tell you, and they drive you mad.
and they drive you mad. There is
Valencia
and they drive you mad. There is Valencia Post match and he does not
look
Valencia Post match and he does not look overly concerned, but he did
shuffle
look overly concerned, but he did shuffle off. That must be a bit
disconcerting.
shuffle off. That must be a bit disconcerting. It will be a concern
but
disconcerting. It will be a concern but they are in such a comfortable
position
but they are in such a comfortable position that any kind of risk and
they
position that any kind of risk and they would have taken it off today
and
they would have taken it off today and they have a few days to manage
whatever
and they have a few days to manage whatever the problem might be but on
the
whatever the problem might be but on the basis of the they are a very
good
the basis of the they are a very good team and a very strong team for
play
good team and a very strong team for play against Senegal and the
Netherlands.
play against Senegal and the Netherlands. They will need him to
be
Netherlands. They will need him to be at full fitness to do what he did
today.
be at full fitness to do what he did today. Their movement off the ball,
it
today. Their movement off the ball, it is about being organised, and
they
it is about being organised, and they will be good games.
Apart
Apart from being better footballers,
what
Apart from being better footballers, what gave them the edge? When you
are
what gave them the edge? When you are playing against poor opposition,
Qatar,
are playing against poor opposition, Qatar, and you have to move the ball
quickly,
Qatar, and you have to move the ball quickly, including when you want to
win
quickly, including when you want to win it back off them. Your first
thought
win it back off them. Your first thought has to be, can I play the
ball
thought has to be, can I play the ball quickly? Pass it forward and
all
ball quickly? Pass it forward and all of a sudden you are in behind.
The
all of a sudden you are in behind. The turnover of possession is really
key
The turnover of possession is really key and moving it really quickly.
Players
key and moving it really quickly. Players of this opposition cannot
deal
Players of this opposition cannot deal with that if you do it as quick
as
deal with that if you do it as quick as Ecuador did it tonight. That
because
as Ecuador did it tonight. That because a lot of the problems for
Qatar,
because a lot of the problems for Qatar, when they did that. You have
got
Qatar, when they did that. You have got to have willing runners in
behind
got to have willing runners in behind and people who are good on
the
behind and people who are good on the ball and who can pass like that.
He
the ball and who can pass like that. He spots the space straightaway,
that
He spots the space straightaway, that is the turnover of possession.
First
that is the turnover of possession. First thought, forward, into the
back
First thought, forward, into the back five. That is what won them the
game
back five. That is what won them the game essentially. All those clips
you
game essentially. All those clips you are talking about that we have
just
you are talking about that we have just shown, it is the movement off
the
just shown, it is the movement off the ball. Every Qatar player is ball
watching.
the ball. Every Qatar player is ball watching. As soon as the ball moves
forward
watching. As soon as the ball moves forward they don't know who is
running
forward they don't know who is running of their shoulder and where
they
running of their shoulder and where they are. When you think about that
when
they are. When you think about that when you play against Senegal and
the
when you play against Senegal and the Netherlands and their movement.
Overall
the Netherlands and their movement. Overall Qatar had three touches in
the
Overall Qatar had three touches in the opposition box in the game, but
they
the opposition box in the game, but they all lead to half chances. It is
not
they all lead to half chances. It is not enough if you are opening the
World
not enough if you are opening the World Cup and you want to give a
good
World Cup and you want to give a good account of yourself. This was
the
good account of yourself. This was the best one. That could have made
all
the best one. That could have made all the difference, just before a
stoppage
all the difference, just before a stoppage time in the first half. The
perfect
stoppage time in the first half. The perfect time to score and it is just
a
perfect time to score and it is just a little bit of technique and a bit
of
a little bit of technique and a bit of panic in front of goal. They did
try
of panic in front of goal. They did try this diagonal ball a lot which
did
try this diagonal ball a lot which did not come off. That is not a bad
effort
did not come off. That is not a bad effort to be honest from that
distance.
effort to be honest from that distance. It is just outside the
post.
distance. It is just outside the post. But even in the build at times
it
post. But even in the build at times it was so sloppy. They would get
into
it was so sloppy. They would get into the middle third and nothing
would
into the middle third and nothing would come of it. That is a good
ball
would come of it. That is a good ball and a half decent chance. But
they
ball and a half decent chance. But they didn't do nearly enough to win
a
they didn't do nearly enough to win a game of football at this level.
They
a game of football at this level. They have got work to do because
they
They have got work to do because they are coming up against tougher
opposition.
they are coming up against tougher opposition. One effort on target and
three
opposition. One effort on target and three touches in the box. We have
got
three touches in the box. We have got a contender already. We love a
bit
got a contender already. We love a bit of a roll-up, don't we? Not that
kind
bit of a roll-up, don't we? Not that kind of roll-up. An injury one.
Sorry
kind of roll-up. An injury one. Sorry about that. We have counted
for
Sorry about that. We have counted for and roles from Akram Afif. Maybe
five.
for and roles from Akram Afif. Maybe five. This was Neymar.
five. This was Neymar. An early
contender
five. This was Neymar. An early contender for the rolling boot.
Sorry.
contender for the rolling boot. Sorry. You mentioned the empty
seats.
Sorry. You mentioned the empty seats. They are empty now because
everyone
seats. They are empty now because everyone has gone home. They seemed
full
everyone has gone home. They seemed full at the start of the game and
then
full at the start of the game and then at half-time you said
straightaway,
then at half-time you said straightaway, there are a lot of
empty
straightaway, there are a lot of empty seats. We thought it was one
of
empty seats. We thought it was one of those things where they will come
back
of those things where they will come back from the corporate thing. This
is
back from the corporate thing. This is an hour into the game and there
were
is an hour into the game and there were so many leaving. At half-time
as
were so many leaving. At half-time as well they never came back into
the
as well they never came back into the stadium, certainly not in the
numbers
the stadium, certainly not in the numbers were there. It didn't help
how
numbers were there. It didn't help how flat the second half was and
nothing
how flat the second half was and nothing entertaining or exciting to
look
nothing entertaining or exciting to look at. I will give you a little
stat
look at. I will give you a little stat here. There was a combined
total
stat here. There was a combined total of 11 shots today, which is
the
total of 11 shots today, which is the joint lowest in a World Cup game
since
the joint lowest in a World Cup game since 1966, which is as far back as
that
since 1966, which is as far back as that type of information has been
recorded.
that type of information has been recorded. Two goals, though. So it
wasn't
recorded. Two goals, though. So it wasn't all bad. It was a good start
to
wasn't all bad. It was a good start to the game. Ecuador will take that
all
to the game. Ecuador will take that all day. Once they got to half-time
they
all day. Once they got to half-time they just... Their just took their
foot
they just... Their just took their foot off the Gas, but it was not the
spectacle
foot off the Gas, but it was not the spectacle in the second half. The
other
spectacle in the second half. The other two teams in Group A will be
watching
other two teams in Group A will be watching that and they will not be
terrified.
watching that and they will not be terrified. They will not be too
worried,
terrified. They will not be too worried, although Senegal might be a
different
worried, although Senegal might be a different proposition. But they will
not
different proposition. But they will not worry too much about both of
those
not worry too much about both of those teams. The top two from this
group
those teams. The top two from this group could play England or Wales or
hopefully
group could play England or Wales or hopefully both. Also, it is never
getting
hopefully both. Also, it is never getting complacent, it is about
getting
getting complacent, it is about getting the job done and not
focusing
getting the job done and not focusing on other people but
yourself
focusing on other people but yourself and what you can do. There
is
yourself and what you can do. There is always a danger when you start to
look
is always a danger when you start to look ahead, but we all do it. You
really
look ahead, but we all do it. You really have to focus on that next
team
really have to focus on that next team and that is all you can do, or
the
team and that is all you can do, or the next training session, or the
next
the next training session, or the next game, because if you don't you
are
next game, because if you don't you are looking too far ahead. We will
be
are looking too far ahead. We will be back tomorrow with England,
midday,
be back tomorrow with England, midday, we kick off at one o'clock
UK
midday, we kick off at one o'clock UK time. We have played in World
Cups.
UK time. We have played in World Cups. That night before the opening
game.
Cups. That night before the opening game. The night before is great.
Normally
game. The night before is great. Normally you can't wait to get
started
Normally you can't wait to get started because there has been such
a
started because there has been such a long build-up. Not on this
occasion.
a long build-up. Not on this occasion. You have only had a week.
Getting
occasion. You have only had a week. Getting here on Tuesday the first
training
Getting here on Tuesday the first training session would be on
Wednesday,
training session would be on Wednesday, so there is no time to be
nervous
Wednesday, so there is no time to be nervous or anything like that. Do
you
nervous or anything like that. Do you do anything special the night
before?
you do anything special the night before? My normal pre-match. What is
your
before? My normal pre-match. What is your normal pre-match? Chicken and
beans.
your normal pre-match? Chicken and beans. Of course.
beans. Of course. You might have 12
if
beans. Of course. You might have 12 if you had had that. And in the
Euros?
if you had had that. And in the Euros? I think for the boys they try
and
Euros? I think for the boys they try and keep it as normal as possible.
Keep
and keep it as normal as possible. Keep your routine exactly the same.
You
Keep your routine exactly the same. You will have those big butterflies.
For
You will have those big butterflies. For the Wales team they are on the
world
For the Wales team they are on the world stage. I had an interview with
Cesc
world stage. I had an interview with Cesc Fabregas and he gave me the
secret
Cesc Fabregas and he gave me the secret for their success when they
won
secret for their success when they won the World Cup in 2010 in South
Africa.
won the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. The night before every match
they
Africa. The night before every match they played they went into one big
room
they played they went into one big room at midnight and they said, I
shouldn't
room at midnight and they said, I shouldn't advertise, they had
chocolate
shouldn't advertise, they had chocolate nest quick and croissant
and
chocolate nest quick and croissant and they were in there until one or
two
and they were in there until one or two in the morning and they won the
World
two in the morning and they won the World Cup. Wow. Everyone will be
trying
World Cup. Wow. Everyone will be trying that. I was sat in the hotel
reception
trying that. I was sat in the hotel reception sending my dissertation
off
reception sending my dissertation off for my media degree because I
knew
off for my media degree because I knew it would be my last World Cup.
I
knew it would be my last World Cup. I was thinking ahead. You could tell
it
I was thinking ahead. You could tell it was by the time we were trying to
run
it was by the time we were trying to run down the clock. You have got to
fill
run down the clock. You have got to fill the time. You said you were
watching
fill the time. You said you were watching how many box sets here?
Looking
watching how many box sets here? Looking forward to watching Wales?
Can't
Looking forward to watching Wales? Can't wait. It is a massive moment
for
Can't wait. It is a massive moment for us. The whole country is
buzzing.
for us. The whole country is buzzing. To see the Welsh flag is
here
buzzing. To see the Welsh flag is here in Qatar is massive. Fantastic,
wish
here in Qatar is massive. Fantastic, wish you well, and England of
course.
wish you well, and England of course. Thank you very much indeed.
That
course. Thank you very much indeed. That is it. What a start for the
South
That is it. What a start for the South Americans. Today we are
feeling
South Americans. Today we are feeling Ecuador. Goodbye. The last
12
feeling Ecuador. Goodbye. The last 12 years in the making. Only seven
days
12 years in the making. Only seven days after the Premier League
because
days after the Premier League because we are ready for the 22nd
edition
because we are ready for the 22nd edition of football's finest
international
edition of football's finest international offering. Enner
Valencia
international offering. Enner Valencia does have the first goal in
the
Valencia does have the first goal in the 2022 World Cup. Fabulous, two
for
the 2022 World Cup. Fabulous, two for him, two for Ecuador.
for him, two for Ecuador. Romario a
barrier
for him, two for Ecuador. Romario a barrier is denied by Al-Sheeb. The
opening
barrier is denied by Al-Sheeb. The opening game of