Argentine fans: Qatar is not what Western media sought to show

WHILE FIFA World Cup is billed as the biggest sports event of the world, the ongoing edition in Qatar takes it a step further in more ways than one. And the entire world is taking note.

This event is not distinctive only because of its interesting competitions, but also because of the quality of equipment, stadiums, infrastructure and accompanying entertainment events.

Maintaining a happy balance between form and content, the State of Qatar is celebrating human diversity in a manner that embodies Arab hospitality and Islamic authenticity, proving to the world that its borders do not end at the doors of the West.

A number of Argentine fans who came to Qatar to attend the World Cup matches and cheer their national team, confirmed that they respect the Arab culture; that they found Qatar to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. They also confirmed that they has misconceptions about Doha before they saw it for themselves. The Western media, they said showed them an ugly side of the Arab region.

They said that they found love and respect in Qatar, which is the first Arab and Muslim country to host the FIFA World Cup. They also found the facilities and arrangements way better than seen in the previous editions of the World Cup held in major countries of the world.

Qatar Tribune spoke to a group of Argentine fans in Doha who praised the Qatari efforts. Asked if they knew Qatar before, they said that the media does not talk about the Arab region unless in the first place, and, when they do, they portray it as the entire region is a terrorist area.

They confirmed that they had heard a lot of bad things about Qatar, which was quite contrary to what they found for themselves on arrival.

“We came to watch football, to have a good time,” Tiziano Andrew said, adding, “We heard many crazy comments. We wanted to experience the culture of this country and we found love and respect, everyone here is understanding and helping.”

When asked about the places visited, Camila Miguel replied: “We went to the largest mosque here, the Mohammed Abdul Wahab mosque. It is beautiful.”

She added that her group spent a wonderful time here and that the tour guide told them a lot about Islamic culture, even gifting to them educational books about Islam.

Martin Luan, leader of a group Argentine fans, commented that Qatar was optimally prepared to host the World Cup, thanks to the developed infrastructure, modern facilities and wonderful stadiums, which really made the Qatar World Cup the most special edition, especially in terms of proximity of the venues. “I was able to watch three matches in one day,” he said smiling.

He called on all Argentina fans to come to Qatar before the quarter-final whistle to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and not to miss the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the World Cup in Doha and its adjacent areas.

Lourdes Armen Byron, an Argentine expat living in Qatar with her husband and sons, said that she joined the Argentina fans union because of her passion for football, as well as her presence and work in the media.

Lourdes emphasised that the presence of her country’s national team led by star player Messi in the 22nd edition of the World Cup is a big event. She hoped that the Argentinian team will go far in the tournament.

For her part, Lara Ethan, another member of the Argentine fans union, said that since her choice to join the union, she has been doing her best to promote the World Cup. She stressed that Argentine fans came to Qatar to support their national team, which was drawn in Group C along with the national teams of Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia.

Ethan pointed out that her mission as a fan leader is to promote the World Cup finals and Qatar’s preparations for the championship, which she is keen on doing during her communication with various media outlets, as well as through social media platforms.

She concluded by saying: “By all indications, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is an exceptional and distinctive tournament for all fans, whether in terms of magnificent stadiums, close distances, outstanding sports facilities or means of transportation that allow easy movement between stadiums.”

On a similar note, Ramiro Gianfranco stressed that it is evident that Qatar has put great effort in organising this international event. Argentina fans are eagerly awaiting the quarter-final whistle to see the brilliance of the Argentine national team, he added.

“I do love the Saudi fans who showed great respect even after losing to Poland, they are amazing,” he said.

“But where is Salem?”, he asked laughing in response to the question often asked by Saudi fans “Where is Messi?”