THEY DRINK IT’S ALL OVER ECUADOR fans roared their disapproval of Qatar’s last-minute alcohol ban during Sunday’s World Cup opener.
Hundreds of South Americans chanted “We want beer!” from the stands as outclassed Qatar slumped 2-0 at the at Al Bayt Stadium.
La hinchada #ECU ya tiene el primer hit del #FIFAWorldCup : “Queremos cerveza, queremos cerveza” pic.twitter.com/Pk91fYLug5
Ecuador supporters chanted loudly for beer in their group match vs QatarCredit: Getty
Enner Valencia’s first-half double left Ecuador coasting but their followers clearly also wanted to be toasting – to a comfortable performance.
However, just 48 hours before the big kick-off, Qatar’s tournament chiefs U-turned by refusing to allow alcohol at matches.
That could cost Fifa £40MILLION as Budweiser prepare to play hard-ball.
The American beer company is one of the World Cup’s official sponsors and were set to provide booze in grounds and fan zones.
the eight stadiums can’t sell alcohol – leaving Budweiser seeking compensation.
And fans on social media rushed to back the Ecuador fans.
One said: “World Cup without beer is not World Cup.”
“Here at home having a little wine in shorts and with my husband. Hahahahahaha and without getting hot. The emotion of being there is something else.”
But on the pitch itself the heat and excitement faded as Ecuador seemed content to preserve energy and Qatar only really threatened late on.