QATAR and Ecuador will kick-start the 2022 World Cup on Sunday.
And SunSport are on-hand to preview Day 1 of the competition while bringing you our carefully selected best bets, sign-up offers and exclusive bonuses from our partners.
Day 1: Qatar take on Ecuador in the 2022 World Cup opener29 days, 32 teams and 64 matches â a feast of football is about to get underway in Qatar.It’s been billed as a ‘World Cup like no other,’ and there’s no doubting the accuracy of that statement.
It’s the first World Cup to have ever taken place in the Middle East, and the first held midway through a domestic season in winter.
But it’s not going to be cold. Far from it. Average temperatures in Doha will be around 26 degrees in November and 21 degrees in December.
Conditions will no doubt play a significant role in deciding who will be crowned 2022 champions, but bookmakers think Brazil will handle it best having installed them as 4/1 favourites.
If that’s the case, then backing Brazil to win the World Cup and Neymar to be top goalscorer at 22/1 with BoyleSports is a cracking shout. You can claim that special offer HERE*.
Qatar vs Ecuador
All eyes will be on the Group A opener between Qatar and Ecuador on Sunday afternoon.
It’s a massive occasion for the hosts, who are competing on the biggest international stage for the first time in their history.
Ecuador, meanwhile, make their return to the World Cup finals after an eight-year absence.
On paper, it looks a routine victory for the visitors, who are ranked above Qatar and finished fourth in the notoriously difficult CONMEBOL qualification.
The bookies agree having priced Ecuador as favourites at 7/5 to win inside 90 minutes.
But Qatar have history on their side. No host nation has ever lost in a World Cup opener. There’s also not been a goalless draw in an opening WC fixture since 1978.
They are also on a five-match unbeaten run, which includes a win over Albania and a creditable 2-2 draw against Chile in September.
Our tips
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*Bet £10 on the Golden Boot winner and get £2 free bet any time they score or assist with Betfair. Applies to the first bet placed on the World Cup FIFA Golden Boot market only. Applies to bets placed from 9am Thursday November 10th until 3.59pm Sunday November 20th. Max free £2 bet per goal or assist your selection has throughout the tournament. T&Cs apply.
