What does Ecuador’s goal celebration mean at the World Cup?

ECUADOR will be hoping to qualify from their group in the 2022 World Cup but face a tough task to do so.

They come up against in-form Netherlands, African champions Senegal and hosts Qatar.

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Enner Valencia netted a brace in the opening game of the 2022 World Cup[/caption]

However, after an impressive start in Doha, Enner Valencia put his side two goals ahead going into the half.

The players all celebrated together, with fans noticing their unique celebration.

What does Ecuador’s goal celebration mean at the World Cup?

While it has been noticed in the opener in Qatar, the celebration dates back a while for the national team.

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Ecuador celebrating the opening goal of the World Cup in Qatar[/caption]

Back in the 2014 World Cup, fans noticed this for the first time after beating Mexico 3-2.

The players come together to form a circle and fall to their knees before pointing and looking up to the sky.

And the reason for this is to do with the religion of the Ecuadorian players.

While over 80% of the country belong to the Roman Catholic religion, the majority of their first team squad belongs to this demographic also.

Therefore, in celebration, the players come together to give their thanks to God and fall to their knees before pointing up towards the sky in prayer.