Opening match loss notwithstanding, Qatari fans remain upbeat
THE defeat of the Qatari team in their opening match in the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament notwithstanding, Qatari fans remain upbeat, stressing that the biggest victory was the success of the dazzling opening ceremony that sent a wonderful image of the Arabs’ ability to organise the best sporting events to the world.
Leaving Al Bayt stadium after the match on Sunday, Fahad, one of the Qatari fans, said with lots of emotion that the next match will be better for Al-Annabi.
Fahad said that the Qatari national team did not appear at its true level in the opening match of the World Cup against Ecuador on Sunday, after its defeat with two goals to nothing.
He also said that Al-Annabi appeared at better levels in previous tournaments, but failed to present an impressive outing at the opening match of the World Cup. He, however, opined that emotional pressure hindered the players from showcasing their best performance, especially in the offensive aspect.
Al-Annabi fans, who were hoping to witness their first victory in the World Cup tournament, cheered up their national team throughout the match as their enthusiasm dominated the ambiance from the beginning of the match to the end and despite the defeat.
The Qatari fans expressed their joy at Qatar’s success in organising the World Cup.
FIFA Fan Festivals and the Corniche witnessed a large turn out of Qatari and Arab fans, who trooped out en masse to watch the opening of the first World Cup in the Arab world and the Middle East region.
Khalid Al Rumaihi, a staunch football lover, said that the canceled goal, if not diallowed, would have motivated the players to be more focused and played a stronger counter-offensive game, but that did not happen.
“We are aware that the defeat will have an impact on Al-Annabi’s chances of qualifying, but I am certain that the Qatari national team are still able to turn the tables in the upcoming matches against Senegal and the Netherlands, as they no longer have anything to be afraid of, and therefore will give their best to showcase their true quality and skills,” said Rumaihi.
Aisha Al Sulaiti, another fan, said that the biggest victory in the match was the wonderful opening Qatar ceremony presented to the world, believing that Al-Annabi has the opportunity to catch up in the upcoming matches against Senegal and the Netherlands.
Another Qatari fan said that the wonderful opening ceremony was enough excitement and achievement to make the Qatari fans forget the loss against the Ecuadorian national team, however hoping that Al-Annabi will be able to compensate in the upcoming matches.
“The most important thing for me is the beautiful atmosphere that accompanied the opening ceremony,” he noted while expressing his pride as a Qatari and Arab in organising this World Cup.
Despite the state of anxiety that enveloped everyone throughout the match and the inability of the team to win the match, the Qatari fans were proud of their country’s ability to organise the World Cup and achieve the Arab dream.