Qatar 2022 opening ceremony rapturous start

Article posted by Coliseum, November 22^nd, 2022

Image: FIFA

Ecuador got off to a winning start against hosts Qatar in the tournament opener at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ got underway after a stunning opening ceremony on November 20^th.

‘FIFA’ stated that a crowd of 67,372 attended the Group A encounter, with the South Americans winning 2-0 thanks to a brace by Enner Valencia.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup™ is an international association football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of FIFA’s member-associations, and the 22^nd FIFA World Cup™. The event is currently underway in Qatar from November 20^th and will conclude on December 18^th, 2022. This is the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world, and the second World Cup held entirely in Asia after the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.

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‘FIFA’ further stated that the match signaled the start of an exciting festival of football lasting 29 days, which will culminate with the final to be held at the 80,000-capacity Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on December 18^th. Matches will be held in eight state-of-the-art stadiums as 32 nations battle it out to be crowned champions of the world.

The 30-minute opening ceremony amazed the thousands in attendance and billions watching around the globe. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and featuring Jung Kook from Korean supergroup BTS, the ceremony showcased Qatari culture and heritage while highlighting football’s ability to unite people from different countries and cultures.

The ceremony featured eight distinct parts, culminating with giant jerseys from all 32 participating nations, every mascot in FIFA World Cup™ history, including the Qatar 2022 version La’eeb, and a huge inflatable emblem. Conceived as a joyous and contemporary one-of-a-kind spectacle with an important unifying message, the ceremony was produced by Executive Artistic Director, Ahmed Al Baker, head honcho of Katara Studios, with support from Creative Director, Marco Balich, and Artistic Director, Anghela Alo.

In his address, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar said, “From Qatar, from an Arab country, I welcome everyone to the World Cup 2022. We have worked hard, along with many people, to make it one of the most successful tournaments. We have exerted all efforts and invested for the good of all humanity. Finally, we have reached the opening day, the day that you have been eagerly waiting for.”

Shortly before kickoff, prior to the teams entering the field, FIFA President Gianni Infantino also addressed the fans inside the stadium – “Family of football. Welcome to the Al Bayt Stadium. Dear friends, welcome to Qatar. Welcome to the World Cup. Welcome to your home. Welcome to celebrate football, because football unites the world. Now, let’s welcome the teams and let the show begin. All the best to everyone. Congratulations!”

Fans Exit

‘The Sun’ stated that many Qatar fans left their World Cup opener at half-time after a shambolic performance against Ecuador. The Al Bayt Stadium emptied early with the host nation 2-0 down after the opening 45 minutes.

The game did not live up to the hype as Ecuador took control early and Qatar rarely threatened.

‘The Sun’ further stated that it led to plenty of home fans choosing they had seen enough as thousands of empty seats appeared during the second half.

Huge pockets of the stadium lacking fans began to form with one claiming the amount leaving was in the over 10,000.

It comes after getting to the ground became a nightmare for many supporters.

It has been reported that it was gridlocked outside the Al Bayt Stadium and cars barely moved for hours.

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