Ecuador supporters booed Qatar’s last-minute alcohol prohibition during the opening World Cup match on Sunday, November 20, 2022.
At the Al Bayt Stadium, hundreds of South Americans cheered “We want beer!” as underdog Qatar lost 2-0.
Ecuador was coasting after Enner Valencia’s two goals in the first half, but it was obvious that their supporters also wanted to celebrate a successful game.
Just 48 hours prior to the big game, the tournament organizers in Qatar made a U-turn and decided not to allow alcohol during games.
Hence, Budweiser is getting ready to play hardball, that might cost FIFA £40 million.
One of the World Cup’s official sponsors, the American beer corporation, planned to offer alcohol in stadiums and fan zones.
But now that the eight stadiums are unable to sell alcohol, Budweiser is suing for damages.
And supporters of Ecuador came to their support in the stands during their World Cup clash with Qatar.
A fan said: “World Cup without beer is not World Cup.”
Another claimed: “That’s why I didn’t go to #QatarWorldCup2022.”
“Here at home having a little wine in shorts and with my husband. Hahahahahaha and without getting hot. The emotion of being there is something else.”
However, on the field, the fire and fervor subsided as Ecuador appeared satisfied to conserve energy and Qatar only seriously threatened late in the game.
Why Did Qatar Ban Alcohol?
The tiny but obscenely wealthy Gulf state of Qatar has spent the last 12 years prepping to host the World Cup of soccer. During this time, the country has completely reshaped itself by constructing stadiums, hotels, highways, sidewalks, and even a glittering new subway system.
But it wasn’t until Friday that it made a decision about the selling of beer during the tournament. To the dismay of the estimated one million spectators who will come in the coming days, it decided to prohibit its sale at the tournament’s eight stadiums.
Qatar’s decision which was made public by FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, was the newest flashpoint in the ongoing culture clash brought on by hosting the event in a modest, conservative Middle Eastern monarchy.
Beer, a staple at sporting events around the world but one that is strictly regulated in Qatar, has been a demand of local organizers and international soccer officials ever since Qatar was unexpectedly awarded the hosting rights to the World Cup more than ten years ago.
But that message altered two days before the first game of the tournament.
Instead, Qatari authorities have determined that the only beverages sold to fans at sporting events would be nonalcoholic.
Ecuador Breaks History Long World Cup Record
Enner Valencia scored twice as Ecuador overcame Qatar in the tournament’s opening game on Sunday, earning a well-deserved victory. Gustavo Alfaro also scored twice.
The result gave the South Americans a three-point lead in Group A, putting the hosts—who still have games against Senegal and the Netherlands—in serious trouble.
Qatar, on the other hand, made little to no effort in this World Cup opener and was unable to maintain the record.
They became the first country to lose the first match of the FIFA World Cup as a host country.
The reigning Asian champions didn’t appear to be much of a threat to create a chance, much less score, which put them in a difficult situation moving forward.
The fact that the score was only 2-0 should make the hosts feel better about their awful start.
Qatar Fans Leave Stadium Early
As a result of their disastrous performance against Ecaudor, many Qatari fans left their team’s World Cup debut at halftime.
The host nation trailed 2-0 after the first 45 minutes, and the Al Bayt Stadium quickly became empty.
Ecuador completely destroyed Qatar, with Enner Valencia scoring twice and having another goal ruled out for a tight offside.
Saad Al Sheeb, the goalkeeper for the host country, had a terrible game in which he conceded a penalty and failed to convince at any point.
After the opening ceremony began with a performance from BTS pop singer Jung Kook and narration from actor Morgan Freeman, it was anticipated that it would be a significant day for Qatar.
But because Ecuador quickly gained the upper hand and Qatar played only occasionally, the game fell short of expectations.
