Thousands of World Cup fans leave opening game early as hosts Qatar disappoint
Qatari fans seemingly left the Al Bayt Stadium with 30 minutes left to play as the hosts disappointed in their first-ever World Cup tie.
The Gulf State got off to the worst possible start as Ecuador's Enner Valencia nodded home less than three minutes into the clash. However, Qatari blushes were saved when VAR ruled out the goal – deeming Michael Estrada's knee to be offside.
It didn't keep Valencia off the score sheet, and by the time the first half was up, Valencia had a brace. And that was enough for thousands of Qatari fans who left the stadium en mass before the full-time whistle.
READ MORE: Fans claim Qatar World Cup 'rigged' as Ecuador goal in first three minutes chalked off
One fan joked: "Who said Qatar have no football culture? Fans p***ing off early when your team is s*** is very much part of the game!"
"Biggest sporting event in their country’s history. I get Qatar sucked tonight and given their supporters nothing to cheer about, but shocking," a second added. While a third fumed: "This is what happens when the World Cup is in a non-footballing nation. Nobody cares."
And a fourth joked: "Fair play to the Qataris and using the two-goal down rule and f***ing off back to the pub!"
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On Sunday evening, in losing to Ecuador, Qatar became the first side to host the World Cup and lose their opening fixture.
Felix Sanchez's side will now have to hope they can spring a surprise against Senegal or the Netherlands to have any hope of making their way to the knockout rounds of their festival of football.
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