QATAR'S FIRST TOUCH

Despite Off-Field Noise In Build-Up, Hosts Eye Good Start Against Ecuador

Given the level of focus on the Qatari regime, its attitudes toward human rights, immigrant workers, the LGBTQ community and beer - the World Cup host's soccer team has slipped under the radar. Qatar opens the tournament against Ecuador on Sunday, but even the buildup to that match has been overshadowed by Friday's announcement that the sale of beer will be banned inside the stadium grounds.

The World Cup is a source of immense national pride for Qatar in its attempt to raise its profile on the global stage and drive toward modernization. But what about the team?

Qatar has never before appeared in a World Cup and faces a major challenge just to emerge from Group A, which also includes Senegal and the Netherlands. Sunday may be Qatar's best hope for a victory against an Ecuador team that is only five places above it at No. 44 in the FIFA rankings.