Qatar face Ecuador in the opening match of the much-anticipated 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place Sunday, November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. World Cup opening games have over the years been producing intrigue, shocks, surprise and dominance among many other aspects that set up the tone for a great tournament. Times Sport takes a look at four facts from the FIFA World Cup opening games. No host nation has lost an opening game since the format was changed in 2006 World Cup defending champions were primed to play the opening games until FIFA introduced a new development where, from the 2006 edition in Germany, host countries were made to play first games of the tournament. Since the format changed, no host nation has been defeated in the opening game. Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 in 2006 while South Africa drew 1-1 in their opening game against Mexico. In 2014, Brazil thrashed Croatia 3-1 as Russia humiliated Saudi Arabia with a 5-0 victory to open the 2018 edition on a high. First-ever World Cup goal was scored by Lucien Laurent Lucien Laurent, born on December 10, 1907, scored the first ever goal in the history of the FIFA World Cup. The former striker was on target in the 19th minute as France thrashed Mexico 4-1 in the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay. He passed away on April 11, 2005 at the age of 97. Domingo Lombardi officiated the first ever World Cup opening game Uruguayan referee Domingo Lombardi handled the first ever FIFA World Cup opening game when France played Mexico on July 13, 1930 at the Estadio Pocitos in Montevideo, Uruguay. A total of 4,444 fans were at the Stadium as France won the tie 4-1. Highest number of goals scored in a World Cup opening game Italy thrashed USA 7-1 in the first game of the 1934 FIFA World Cup at the Stadio PNF in Rome. This remains the opening game that produced the highest number of goals in World Cup history. The Azzurri went on to win that tournament by defeating Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the final on June 10, 1934.
