World Cup 2022 kicks off, as Ecuador spoil Qatar's party

Updated 8.30pm with ticket sales figures

The World Cup kicked off in Qatar on Sunday as the month-long football showpiece finally got under way after a tortuous 12-year build-up dogged by off-field controversies.

Qatar has spent $200 billion on a remarkable construction project to host the World Cup after the tiny Gulf state shocked the football world by winning the right to host the tournament in 2010.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani was present in the impressive Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, 50 kilometres (31 miles) outside of Doha, to watch the host nation face Ecuador during Sunday's opener. 

In a breathless start to the match in the stadium shaped like a Bedouin tent, Ecuador's Enner Valenica headed the ball into the net after three minutes but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Thirteen minutes later, Ecuador did take the lead after Valencia dribbled around Qatari goalkeeper Saad Alsheeb who grabbed his shin and the referee pointed to the spot. Valencia coolly rolled home the penalty.

Valencia added a second goal to give Ecuador a 2-0 lead at half-time. 

The score remained unchanged at full-time, with Qatar becoming the first hosts in World Cup history to lose their...