US fans happy with Qatari experience
FOR many American fans, the excitement that began with the kick-off of USA’s recent match against Iran did not stop until the final whistle announced that the country is headed for the knockout round of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Though the end was tense and had fans sweating in the stadium, the Americans held on to beat Iran 1-0 on Tuesday night at Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar to officially secure their place in the Round of 16.
“It was incredible,” 45- year old James said. “We played well. We have a young team that is giving its best, and I expect that we will go far in the tournament. I am very confident of them because we included players who are capable of achieving much more than expected. I am proud of them and wish them all success,” he said.
“It is good to remember the 1994 World Cup, which was held in the United States of America, and at that time we were not as skilled as now. And I see how Qatar has paid attention to the smallest details organising this great tournament and that can only show a real love for the game,” he noted.
“I have enjoyed every bit of the game and was impressed to see many Qataris at the stadiums. It shows that Qatari fans love football. We also saw this in the exceptional World Cup, being held for the first time in the Arab region and the Middle East,” he said.
“I am originally from New Orleans, and I couldn’t believe how Qatar is so much like my home place in terms of the general atmosphere. It’s so welcoming. I feel very much at home, and I am very happy about this”, he said.
When asked about how he feels being at the World Cup and in Qatar, Alec, another young fan who was spotted celebrating the US’s advance to the next round with his family, said that the development and infrastructure are wonderful. “There is no country in the world capable of doing what Qatar has done in the past 10 years. I know that because I have done my research before planning this visit,” he said.
When asked about the Qatar 2022 World Cup stadiums, he said, “It is difficult to choose a specific stadium, because when I see a stadium, I forget the other, which is evidence of their magnificence. Architecturally they are designed in a distinctive way, but I liked the Al Bayt stadium that hosted the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador very much. Inside the stadium, you feel that you are in another city, not just in a football field.”
It is worth noting that Qatari citizens launched an initiative to host 2022 World Cup fans and guests in their ‘majlis’, where they introduce them to customs and traditions thereby presenting the country’s heritage to a global audience.
Many Qataris took it upon themselves to invite many of the World Cup fans to their ‘majlis’ -special spaces in homes to receive guests and discuss public issues- and introduce them to Qatari culture.
Adam Smith, an American fan who visited a Qatari home and spent a day there said: “Being introduced to many traditions of the Qatari society, to the delicious meals and hearing stories about the people and their past was a very interesting experience.”
He added “Fans from different countries of the world, during their visits to majlis got the chance to get a closer look at Qatari culture and had the opportunity to learn about a few aspects of the Qatari heritage and the country’s history. I was one of them.
Adam said that Qataris have done a great job honouring their guests with such great hospitality and respect, and introducing their heritage, “we’ve seen many of their antiques and old collections, and frankly we can only be happy attending the World Cup and discovering a different world,” he said