Ecuador kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Qatar, which brought the host nation's six-match unbeaten run to an end.

Enner Valencia was the hero for the South Americans by scoring both goals to get his World Cup campaign off to a flying start.

Valencia netted a penalty in the 16th minute before completing his brace in the 31st minute. Valencia has now scored all of Ecuador’s last five goals at the World Cup.

This has seen him become the team's outright record goal-scorer by leapfrogging Agustin Delgado.

"He is the all-time top scorer for Ecuador. He is going through tough times, he was questioned at times in Ecuador. He managed to score, which means a lot to him," said Gustavo Alfaro of Valencia.

Despite their solid start to the tournament, Feliz Sanchez believes that there is room for improvement heading into their Group A tie against the Netherlands on Friday at the Khalifa International Stadium.

"We have a lot of room for improvement. No excuses, we started badly... nerves and responsibility have played a trick on us," said Sanchez.

Friday’s match between Ecuador and the Netherlands kicks off at 18:00.

Meanwhile, on Monday at 15:00, England will be in action against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium. 

At 18:00, the Netherlands will play against Senegal at the Al Thumama Stadium, while at 21:00, Wales will battle it out with the USA at the Al Rayyan Stadium.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport