Ecuador boss Gustavo Alfaro hoping Qatar victory will be the start of a long World Cup journey

Ecuador manager Gustavo Alfaro is hoping that Sunday’s victory over Qatar will be the start of something big.

Ecuador eased past World Cup debutants Qatar with a 2-0 victory, veteran striker Enner Valencia scoring both in a first opening game defeat for a host nation in the tournament’s history.

Ecuador’s all-time top scorer, nicknamed ‘Superman’ at home, scored an early penalty and added a well-taken 31st-minute header to give the South Americans a commanding first-half lead as the Qataris looked overcome by the enormity of the occasion. 

Gustavo Alfaro is hoping that Sunday’s victory over Qatar will be the start of something big

‘I lost sight of what was happening but my colleagues saw the video. Michael Estrada needs to do something about his fingernails and his toenails, because it was very tight.’

‘I have to give the team credit for their attitude, commitment, the way they played, the way they kept going,’ said Alfaro after the game.

‘Especially after we suffered that setback at the start of the game with the goal that was disallowed for offside. 

‘We kept going after that. I think we were really clear winners, we won convincingly. I hope it’s the start of something big, which is what we wanted.’

Valencia limped off before the end, and stated he had picked up knee and ankle problems.

However, Alfaro was adamant he would be fit to face the Netherlands on Friday, and lauded the striker’s contribution.

‘Valencia has been going through tough times. He has been questioned in Ecuador, but now we can see what he’s giving us.’