Germany choose resort in northern Qatar as their World Cup base
FOUR-TIME champions Germany will be based in a new resort in northern Qatar for the November 21-December 18 World Cup, the nation’s football association DFB said on Wednesday.
The team coach Hansi Flick and his players will be staying in a separate area of the Zulal Wellness Resort in Al Ruwais on the northern coast of the country, an hour’s drive from the capital of Doha.
The team will arrive on November 17 and train at the nearby facilities of first-division club Al Shamal, the DFB said. Germany face Spain, Japan and the winner of a playoff between New Zealand and Costa Rica in the group stage.
“We have everything we need in Al Ruwais – we are only a short drive from Al Shamal’s training ground, the fantastic conditions there will allow us to focus and to train intensively, and there is a wonderfully relaxed environment at the hotel. Those are the most important things for me as head coach,” Flick said.
“Qualifying for the World Cup early helped us greatly in our search for a base camp in Qatar. Now this important decision has been made, we can concentrate on the sporting side of things. We have exciting UEFA Nations League games against England, Italy and Hungary in June and September, and they will help ensure we are prepared for the start of the World Cup,” Flick added.
DFB director Oliver Bierhoff said: “We want to create the best possible conditions for our team to have a successful tournament.
“This facility meets almost all of our requirements for a team hotel. It offers the team the opportunity to switch off from the hustle and bustle of playing at a World Cup. At this resort, we can concentrate on the task in hand, work in a focused manner and recuperate well. Team spirit plays a crucial role at a World Cup. We want to create a camaraderie that can help us go deep in the tournament.”
General Manager of Zulal Wellness Resort by ChivaSom, Daniele Vastolo, said: “My team and I are very proud and honoured to host the four times FIFA World Cup winners. Zulal’s philosophy is in line with the needs of the very high-profile team. The players will have the perfect conditions to be able to concentrate on and prepare for the challenges of a World Cup. We will strive to be the perfect hosts and will make sure to provide them with whatever support they need to shine.”
The team will travel to Qatar on November 17th. Germany have been drawn into Group E at the World Cup and will kick off their tournament against Japan on 23rd November at Al Rayyan.
Four days later, Die Mannschaft face Spain at Al Khor. The third opponents will either be New Zealand or Costa Rica, with these sides due to face each other in a play-off match on 14th June.
The final group game will take place on 1st December, once again at Al Khor.
We have everything we need in Al Ruwais – we are only a short drive from Al Shamal’s training ground, the fantastic conditions there will allow us to focus and to train intensively.
Germany coach Hansi Flick