Qatar became the first host nation to lose its opening game of a World Cup after it fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ecuador at the Al Bayt stadium on Sunday.
With African champions Senegal and three times finalists, The Netherlands still to play, Qatar’s chances have become slimmer with this result.
Of the 22 previous host nations, 16 of them secured in winning their first game, while six had to resign for a draw.
Qatar’s defeat was ensured in the first half when Ecuador skipper Enner Valencia scored a brace, with the first goal coming from the spot.
This was after Valencia was denied, momentarily, the first goal of the tournament after a delayed and potentially contentious offside call.
Qatar also became the third nation to host the tournament on its World Cup debut, after Uruguay in 1930 and Italy in 1934.