Qatar vs. Ecuador Picks, Predictions World Cup 2022: Goals at a Premium in Tournament Opener
The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off when host nation Qatar takes on Ecuador in a battle of Group A sides. Check out our Qatar-Ecuador World Cup picks and predictions.
Qatar are the underdogs in Group A, sitting around +300 at most sportsbooks to progress to the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, their first opponent, Ecuador, are around even-money to advance, slotting in behind heavy favorites Netherlands and Senegal.
Will the hosts be able to up their game and shock many when the biggest sporting showdown in the country’s history begins, or will they limit themselves to keeping margins tight?
Here are our picks for Sunday's World Cup opener between Qatar and Ecuador (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
Check out our World Cup betting guide!
Qatar vs. Ecuador Game Info
Date: Sunday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m. ET
Coverage: Fox Sports 1, Telemundo, FoxSports.com, Peacock
Location: Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar
Weather: 78 degrees, 1% chance of
precipitation, 18-mph winds
Qatar vs. Ecuador Picks
Qatar vs. Ecuador ML Pick
Draw (+200) ★★★
It’s all about momentum and context for Qatar in this match. Their first-ever World Cup appearance will come on home soil, adding loads of pressure but also motivation on the players’ shoulders. Qatar manager Felix Sanchez guided his team to a third-place finish at the Arab Cup last summer, but now the plot is rather different. Still, Sanchez can build on the improvements he saw in his team’s game of late, using the home advantage to get his boys playing at a superior level.
In the South American qualifiers, Ecuador scored the second-highest number of goals after undefeated leaders Brazil, so Qatar shouldn't underestimate their attacking power.
However, Ecuador’s recent form leaves some to be desired, as they scored just twice in the six friendlies they played after securing World Cup participation. Four of Ecuador’s last five tests concluded in 0-0 draws, which is encouraging for Qatar.
Qatar also hope that history will repeat itself and that they won't be the first home team since 2006 to lose in their inaugural match.
Qatar vs. Ecuador O/U Pick
Under 1.5 (+160) ★★★
It’s unlikely that these two teams take it to each other in their first 2022 World Cup outing, opting instead for a tight brand of football.
Though Ecuador are the favorites heading into this clash, their recent matches show they opt for a cautious approach even against teams that look inferior at first glance. Their recent form suggests a certain mentality has been implemented by head coach Gustavo Alfaro.
Qatar vs. Ecuador Prop Pick
First half Under 4.5 corners (-165) ★★★★
If there’s going to be offensive pressure from one of the sides, then it’s highly likely it'll come in the second half. The structure of both national teams and their recent form suggest they’ll use the first part of the match to study the opponent’s real potential rather than aim for early pressure.
Therefore, opting for Under 4.5 corners in the first half of Qatar-Ecuador is worth taking into consideration.
Previous World Cup Winners
- Brazil (+333) 1994
- France (+700) 1998
- Brazil (+700) 2002
- Italy (+1000) 2006
- Spain (+400) 2010
- Germany (+550) 2014
- France (+600) 2018
Where to Bet on Qatar vs. Ecuador Picks
Here are our best World Cup betting sites:
Qatar-Ecuador picks made 11/17/2022 at 6:54 a.m. ET
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