- Ecuador fans chanted "We want beer" during the opening match of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
- Organizers announced a U-turn on the sale of beer at stadiums two days before the tournament began.
Ecuador fans had plenty to celebrate on Sunday as their team beat Qatar 2-0 in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup.
However, one thing they weren't happy about was the lack of beer available at Al Bayt Stadium.
Just two days before the tournament began, organizers, at the insistence of Qatar's Al Thani royal family, announced a total ban on the sale of alcohol around stadium sites.
Beer was originally set to be sold in set locations around stadiums, before and after matches, as part of an $83 million deal with AB InBev, the parent company of Budweiser.
In protest at the late U-turn, Ecuador's fans erupted into chants of "We want beer" during the match.
—Javier Lanza (@javierlanza) November 20, 2022
Ecuador's Group A win over Qatar came courtesy of two goals from striker Enner Valencia, whose brace saw him become his country's all-time record World Cup goalscorer.
But it could have been more for Gustavo Alfaro's side, who dominated the match from start to finish and had an early opening goal from Valencia ruled out for a tight offside.
Qatar failed to manage a single shot on target during the match and in defeat became the first host nation of a World Cup to lose its opening match at the tournament.
The host's fans were clearly unhappy with the display, with many choosing to leave the stadium at the interval.
"I would say we felt bad [for our supporters]," Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said after the match. "I hope in the next game they will be prouder."
Qatar's naxt match is against Senegal on November 25.