"I've dreamt of this game many times"

Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, scorer of the two goals that gave Ecuador victory over Qatar in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup, said he had dreamed of something like this.

"We knew it was going to be very complicated, but we were able to solve it very quickly, we found ourselves with early goals that helped us to manage the game," said the Fenerbache player.

"Since the draw came out, I was training with my club and I realised that I was going to play in the opening game and I have dreamt many nights of being able to win. I knew it was going to be a dream for all of us and fortunately I was able to score," he said.

Valencia was convinced that Ecuador can "achieve important things" and "go far" as long as the team has confidence in themselves.

The striker, who ended a poor run with these goals, said he was not affected by the criticism."When you listen to the Ecuadorian press you only see negative things. We try not to let that in, we focus on the day to day, on our work. These are moments, we have to live in the moment, now we have three points in the first game of a World Cup, we have to keep dreaming, it's going to be very difficult.

Valencia, who was subbed off with a discomfort on the hour mark, was confident that he will be fit for Ecuador's next match. "I hope to be ready, I had a small blow to my knee and ankle. We will evaluate it with the doctors and see what I have. I hope to be with the team in this competition," he said.