World Cup
With their unforeseen effects and shared enthusiasm, Arab enthusiasts come together to celebrate the exploits of their teams in the field.
Doha, Qatar – Like thousands of Saudi fans, Muhammad al-Dabbagh traveled to Qatar last week to watch the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East.
“If it wasn’t for Qatar,” he said, “it wouldn’t have been so convenient for me to attend a World Cup. “
And if I hadn’t done the adventure through the Abu Samra border crossing, I wouldn’t have noticed Saudi Arabia sweetening the tournament with a big surprise against Argentina.
The Green Falcons’ 2-1 run against the two-time champions on Tuesday sparked some crazy celebrations, with extremely cheerful Saudi enthusiasts flooding all of Qatar’s major tourist and fan areas. Quickly, it became a completely Middle Eastern party.
At the center of it all, Doha’s Souq Waqif, where enthusiasts from other countries had gathered in a giant organization with their respective flags, joining together to make a song and dance. the party of their neighbors after the host team lost to Ecuador in the first match of the tournament.
“We are dissatisfied that Qatar has lost, we are satisfied that Saudi Arabia has won,” said Bassam Muhammad, a Qatari student, as others waved past the flags of the two countries, which restored full relations in early 2021 after a diplomatic year.
Just hours after Tuesday’s Saudi victory, Tunisia pulled out to keep top-ranked Denmark in a wonderful 0-0 draw at Education City Stadium.
Most of the more than 40,000 enthusiasts who attended supported the North African team.
Amine, a Tunisian fan, believes that the Arab unity shown among fans is something that is not seen.
“Politics is different and other people are different,” he said. “People are united, even when leaders aren’t. “
Amine said it’s normal in Souq Waqif, where enthusiasts from Morocco, Tunisia, Qatar and Saudi Arabia gather in the evening to throw a party.
“Even Egyptian, Algerian, Lebanese and Omani enthusiasts are here, although their groups didn’t even qualify for the tournament. But no one cares.
On the morning of Morocco’s first match against Croatia, Doha’s central metro station turned red as Atlas Lions enthusiasts headed to Al Bayt Stadium in al-Khor.
“It’s the most productive World Cup (World Cup), and we’re pleased it’s in Qatar,” Rachid and his friends organization in Oujda, Morocco, said before the game.
Morocco, the top-ranked Arab team in the tournament with 22, then faced 2018 World Cup finalist Croatia in a 0-0 draw in what was noted as a victory among fans.
On Saturday, Saudi Arabia will play their best moment of the tournament at Education City Stadium, facing Poland in a highly anticipated deal to determine whether the Green Falcons can build on their wondrous first win.
It would be like betting at home. Saudi Arabia ranks third on the list of ticket-buying countries for the tournament, according to FIFA sales figures.
Some positive Saudi fans, such as al-Dabbagh who arrived from Riyadh, say they will stay longer in Qatar if their team progresses.
“It’s like my country, it doesn’t feel different,” he said of Qatar. “And if my team helps keep winning, who knows, maybe I’ll spend the whole month here. “
The rules governing the tournament do not allow non-ticket holders to enter matches at Qatar’s organizational level, but will be allowed in certain situations once the knockout levels begin.
But, the Qataris, despite the sadness for the early departure of their national team, promise to continue supporting the Saudi team and the rest of the region.
“We are proud of all the Arab groups and will cheer them on in the tournament,” Asma said.
In addition to the help won through the committed Arab teams, the Palestinian cause also gained great help in the tournament.
Amine, from Tunisia, said it because all Muslims know the cause.
“Wherever you pass [in Qatar], you will see a Palestinian flag because we must remind the world that Palestinians are not alone,” he said, adding that Tunisians show solidarity with Palestine every time his team plays in a primary tournament.
Asma, who attended Qatar’s match against Ecuador, said each and every member of her family carried and waved the Palestinian flag in the stadium because they felt it was their duty as Muslims to tell the world about Palestine.
“I hope we can draw attention to Palestine, and I also hope that this World Cup will help replace the Western world’s belief in the Arab world, not just Qatar. “