Thousands of Qatar supporters left the Al Bayt Stadium during the hosts' 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
Qatar fans are hoping their nation will stun the world by enjoying a sensational run at the tournament. World Cup ambassadors Tim Cahill and Samuel Eto'o have even backed them to progress from Group A and knock out England on their way to the quarter-finals.
Yet Felix Sanchez's team received a reality check on Sunday, when Ecuador eased to victory. Captain Enner Valencia found the net inside three minutes, although that goal was controversially disallowed for offside. Valencia then scored a brace to secure the points.
There was a brilliant atmosphere inside the Al Bayt Stadium ahead of the game, as the opening ceremony took place. Hollywood legend Morgan Freeman and South Korean pop star Jung Kook were among those to perform before the football started.
Around 67,000 Qatar, Ecuador and neutral fans packed into the ground to watch the action unfold. There was a huge group of Qatar fans behind one of the goals, who were jumping around zealously to cheer on their team. They've been dubbed the 'Qatar Ultras'.
Yet those fans were silenced in the first half by Valencia's brilliance. The 33-year-old, who previously played for Premier League regulars West Ham and Everton, dismantled Qatar to leave the hosts wondering if they'll pick up a single point in the tournament.
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The Ecuador fixture was Qatar's easiest on paper, as they now face two daunting games against the Netherlands - who are regarded as the strongest team in Group A - and African champions Senegal (although Sadio Mane is missing the tournament through injury).
That reality may have dawned on the Qatar fans, as thousands of them left the Al Bayt Stadium at half-time. Lots of reporters inside the ground and supporters watching at home noticed pockets of empty seats - hardly a vote of confidence for Sanchez's team.
This is Qatar's first appearance at a World Cup after failing to qualify for any of the previous editions. Their national team has improved significantly under Sanchez's management in recent years - recording a famous win against Japan at the Asian Cup in 2019.
As Qatar fans protested with their feet, Wales fans protested via BBC News. Those travelling to the World Cup have complained about the lack of alcohol available in Qatar, with organisers banning the sale of booze around stadiums. It also costs around £12 for a pint.
"There has been a lot of talk about the cultural differences and so I'm not surprised," said one fan. "It's pretty last-minute - just 48 hours before the kick-off in the first match. To change it this late in the day it is disappointing... people might be tempted to binge drink."
Wales are competing at their first World Cup since 1958. Like Qatar, they've also enjoyed some success in recent years by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
