Ecuador fans have sent a message at World Cup 2022 – and not just on the pitch.
The South American fans made their presence known at the opening match of the tournament, creating chaos with their cheekiness. First, a section of Ecuadorians chanted "we want beer", in reference to alcohol being banned at the finals, before one supporter was caught on camera taunting hosts Qatar with "money" hand gestures.
Now, they've only gone and done it again. Ecuador's place at the World Cup finals came into question when it appeared that they'd fielded an ineligible player, as Chile asked for their continental rivals to be replaced in the tournament.
Two supporters of La Tri were seen in the Khalifa International Stadium displaying a sign reading "Cuando juega Chile" – which translates as "When does Chile play?" ahead of the Group A fixture, in reference to the drama.
After six minutes, Cody Gakpo opened the scoring with the earliest goal of World Cup 2022 so far. The PSV attacker reacted first after the ball was sent long up the field from Manchester City defender Nathan Ake to become the first player in the tournament to have scored in two separate games at the tournament.
Senegal beat Qatar 3-1 in the earlier game and with Gakpo now on two goals for the competition, has a genuine chance of racking up his tally against the hosts to put himself in pole position for the Golden Boot in 2022.
Ecuador can knock Qatar out of the tournament by clinching a draw in this game.
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