TEMPO.CO, Qatar - Qatar national team coach Felix Sanchez said his team "felt supported" despite thousands leaving the stadium early as the host of the current world cup lost 0-2 against Ecuador in the opening match on Sunday, 2022.

Sanchez's team were stung due to a sluggish start to the game at the Al Bayt Stadium by Enner Valencia hitting two goals for Ecuador. The loss made Qatar the first host country in the 92-year history of the World Cup to lose in its opening game.

"We feel supported," said Felix Sanchez after the game, when asked about most of the home fans leaving before the game was over.

“I hope people will be more proud in the next matches. People know we can give more." He continued as quoted by France Media Agency (AFP).

"We apologize we couldn't be part of the party but we know these scenarios can happen. We'll try to learn from them and I'm pretty sure we'll make people feel even happier with our performance."

The score could have been worse for Qatar as one goal from Valencia was annulled by the Video assistant referee (VAR) for offside.

"We started very badly," Sanchez said. "We couldn't finish four passes in a row. Also lots of gaps in our defence."

"There are no excuses, I want to congratulate our opponents Ecuador. There is a lot of room for improvement. We just have to get over it and be more competitive."

The Qatar national team will be facing Senegal in the next Group A match on Friday, 25 November 2022.

ANTARA | IMAJI LASAHIDO (INTERN)

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