The world’s biggest sporting event begins on Sunday when Qatar and Ecuador collide in the opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. The monthlong tournament is projected to be watched by five billion people worldwide. It concludes with the World Cup final on Dec. 18. Qatar, the host country, is making its inaugural appearance in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Ecuador is participating in its fourth World Cup and its first since 2014. Ecuador’s best result is a Round of 16 appearance in ’06.
Kickoff is at 11 a.m. ET. The Ecuadorians are the +140 favorites in the latest Ecuador vs. Qatar odds from Caesars Sportsbook, with the Qataris the +220 underdog. A draw is priced at +200. Before making any Qatar vs. Ecuador picks or 2022 FIFA World Cup predictions, you need to see what SportsLine soccer insider Brandt Sutton has to say.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has been SportsLine’s top soccer editor for nearly five years. He has followed soccer closely for much longer and factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups and past performances to make the most informed decisions possible, keeping his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
Sutton has also been on a roll with his best bets, going 148-112-1 over his last 261 soccer picks this year, returning more than $2,300 for $100 bettors.
Now, Sutton has broken down Ecuador vs. Qatar from every angle and just revealed his World Cup picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his 2022 World Cup picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Qatar vs. Ecuador:
The Ecuadorians are a battle-tested team. This year alone, they have earned draws against Brazil, which is ranked No. 1 in the world, Argentina (No. 3) and Mexico (No. 13). Meanwhile Qatar, which did not need to qualify for the World Cup as host, has played just three teams ranked inside the top 60: No. 22 Morocco, No. 29 Chile and No. 41 Canada.
In addition, Ecuador have a budding star in left back Pervis Estupiñán. A 24-year-old for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, Estupiñán played a key role in Villarreal‘s run to the Champions League semifinal last season. He also added two goals and one assist during CONMEBOL qualification for Ecuador.
The Qataris have a dangerous playmaking pair in Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. The 26-year-old Afif can play on either flank or through the middle and has the ability to score goals and create chances. Meanwhile, Ali is a deadly finisher who has 41 international goals for Qatar and was the top scorer at both the 2019 Asian Cup and the ’21 Gold Cup.
In addition, Qatar faces an Ecuador team that has struggled to win this year. In 10 matches in 2022, the Ecuadorians have just two victories. Those came against Nigeria (ranked No. 32 in the world) and Cape Verde (No. 71).
Sutton has taken an in-depth look at Qatar vs. Ecuador, and he has locked in a confident best bet while offering a full breakdown of the opening match at the 2022 World Cup. He’s only sharing his World Cup picks and analysis at SportsLine.
So where does all the betting value lie for Qatar vs. Ecuador in Sunday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup matchup? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the Ecuador vs. Qatar match, all from the SportsLine soccer insider who has returned more than $2,300 for $100 bettors, and find out.
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