A spectacular goal, special record and the rise of Asia in Qatar

IT has been blowing hot and cold in Qatar. There have been many complaints, some big scores, bigger shocks – and even an individual World Cup record that’s not likely to be surpassed.

For the hosts, though, it has not been a very good World Cup. Their team couldn’t manage a single shot at goal as they floundered to a 0-2 defeat by Ecuador. At half-time, their own fans swarmed out of the stadium.