It’s been an embarrassing start to the World Cup for Qatar

Not for the first time in the build-up to the most controversial World Cup in history, the focus was off the pitch rather than what was unfolding on it, as the big kick off finally arrived on Sunday night.

For hosts Qatar, that was undoubtedly a good thing, as their tournament started with one of the worst opening performances by a host in recent memory.

Two Enner Valencia goals were enough for Ecuador to win what will surely be the easiest of any three points they earn here in Doha, as the home side were swept aside with the minimum of fuss to open Group A.

It may go a long way towards explaining why thousands of those present at the Al Bayt Stadium appeared not to return after the half-time interval. It was surely an immense embarrassment for those who have built up so much towards this groundbreaking and controversial moment in the 12 years since the Gulf state was awarded the tournament.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino, a day removed from his wild and rambling pre-tournament speech to open proceedings, stayed for the duration, of course.

If you were in any doubt as to just how geopolitical this biggest of sporting events is this time around, that he was sat between the emir of Qatar on one side and Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman on the other should have done it.

Hollywood star Morgan Freeman guided supporters through the opening ceremony, while official ambassador David Beckham watched on from the best seats in the house.

But for all the glitz and glamour you get from spending more than $200bn on bringing the eyes of the world here for this showpiece occasion, what you can’t buy is a good football team.

The likes of Brazil, Argentina and France, who already have them, get their tournaments under way in the coming days. Their hopes of lifting the most famous trophy of all in a month’s time are very much alive.

Qatar’s tournament was effectively over before 30 of the 32 teams had even kicked a ball. For the rest, this most different of World Cups is only just beginning.

Yours,

Ben Burrows

Sports editor