Tag: FIFA World Cup

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Martinez keeps Messi’s World Cup dreams alive

rgentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Australia at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.(Photo:Suman Chattopadhyay/IANS/Image Solution)

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saved two penalties to help Argentina beat the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final penalty shootout and set up a semi-final against Croatia.

On Friday at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the Dutch came back strongly from two goals down to level the scores at the death and take the game into extra time but fell short in the penalty shootout.

The late fightback meant that Lionel Messi’s magic, of setting up a goal and then scoring a goal from the spot kick almost meant nothing as Argentina squandered a two-goal lead at the death.

Messi now tied Gabriel Batistuta on an Argentinian record 10 goals at the World Cup and can gain sole possession of the record in the semi-final and the final or third-place game as he aims to win the biggest prize in football in his fifth appearance at the World Cup.

(Credit Twitter@FIFAWorldCup)

Messi fed Nahuel Molina with a sensational pass to score in the 35th, and then calmly converted a 73th-minute penalty as Argentina seemed well on course with a 2-0.

But substitute Wout Weghorst headed the Dutch back into the game in the 83rd and then forced extra time 11 minutes into stoppage time in an extraordinary free-kick trick play, scoring with the final kick of the game.

With the 30 minutes of extra time failing to break the 2-2 deadlock, it was left to the penalty shootout to decide the winner in the second quarter-final of the day.

Martinez was the shoot-out hero saving the first two Dutch penalties from captain Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis, while Lautaro Martinez clinched the matter for Argentina.

Messi will claim the overall World Cup match record if he plays in the remaining two games. He played his 24th match on Friday, with record holder Lothar Matth�us of Germany one ahead on 25 matches.

Netherlands keeper Andries Noppert in action during the match against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022, at Lusail Stadium, in Qatar on Saturday. (ANI Photo)

The Copa America champions next meet Croatia on Tuesday after the 2018 runners-up shocked record five-time winners Brazil 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock in 120 minutes.

The Dutch failed to reach the last four for the third time in four editions and suffered a shoot-out loss to Argentina just as in the 2014 semi-finals.

Messi leads the celebrations for La Albiceleste as they pulled away to win the thriller.

In the last two quarter-finals on Saturday, Ronaldo’s Portugal meet Morocco in the first match, while England meet France in the second match of the day.

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Morocco inspire Arab pride: Sheikh Mohammed

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council also hailed Morocco for its historic victory over the Spanish….reports Asian Lite News

“The impossible is not Moroccan… The impossible is not Arab…The Atlas Lions’ victory is a source of joy and pride for all Arabs,” so expressed Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, his and all Arabs’ euphoria over the historic win notched by Morocco over Spain in Qatar 2022.

It’s safe to say that Morocco now pose a threat to any European or American World Cup hopes after excellent group stage and last 16 performances. The Atlas Lions’ balanced tactics saw them progress from the group stage to the last 16 to the quarter-finals after defeating Belgium, Canada and Spain, scoring four goals in the process and becoming the first Arab national team to top their Group in the World Cup before reaching the best 8.

Having dumped Spain out on penalties to reach historic World Cup quarters, the Moroccan proved how they excellently rely on the well-rounded approach of head coach Walid Regragui, whose clever strategies have been essential to the team’s success in playing to its advantages.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council also hailed Morocco for its historic victory over the Spanish. “The Atlas Lions deserve congratulations. Best wishes to Morocco. You’ve brought joy to all the Arabs with your valiant effort and well-earned victory,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote in a tweet.

The now-running Portugal-Switzerland clash, where the Portuguese are exhibiting an overwhelming performance, pits the Atlas Lions against one of Europe’s most ambitious teams at a much-awaited Euro-Arab quarter-final clash. However, all hopes are pinned on the Lions to create a new history that will live on in every Arab’s memories.

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Kane England do it?

Kane, whose 51 goals for his country puts him only two behind record holder Wayne Rooney, has yet to fully hit his straps in Qatar, barely having a shot on target…reports Asian Lite News

The prospect of Harry Kane not scoring in any of England’s group games at this World Cup might have left fans fearing the worst. Instead, there’s a growing sense of optimism as Southgate’s Three Lions get ready for Sunday’s last-16 clash against Senegal, the Lions of Teranga, at Al Bayt Stadium.

Kane, whose 51 goals for his country puts him only two behind record holder Wayne Rooney, has yet to fully hit his straps in Qatar, barely having a shot on target. A foot knock sustained in the opening win against Iran has not helped the England captain, who top-scored in the 2018 World Cup with six.

But his lack of goals has certainly not impeded the side’s smooth progress to the knockout round. In fact, Kane’s failure to find the target can be flipped to a positive.

England have still managed to score nine goals with their other forwards stepping up to the mark, none more so than Manchester United’s rejuvenated Marcus Rashford with three goals already. Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka have also been among the goals, leaving Southgate with choices ahead of the Senegal clash, although it is inconceivable he would not start with Kane in his forward line-up.

Compared to the white-knuckle rides experienced by some of the other favourites in this edition of the World Cup, England sauntered through their group. But now, says Southgate, the serious business begins.

Senegal, the African Cup of Nations winners, finished second in Group A behind The Netherlands. That was despite suffering the pre-tournament disappointment of star striker Sadio Mane being ruled out.

“These are knockout games now. If you win, you get to stay here. If you lose, you go home,” Senegal coach Aliou Cisse said.

“There’s no need to overthink things as every team is at the same level. Our squad is experienced today. They’ve gone through a lot together and they know how to prepare for this type of game now and in competitions like this one,” Cisse added.

Cisse, however, has been ill and has a temperature. He also missed team training on Friday. But he is planning to be on the sideline on Sunday when his team plays.

‘Werewolf’ in camp

For a nation that has frequently flattered to deceive at  soccer’s major tournaments, a card game that relies on the art of deception is strengthening the bond among England’s players.

Werewolf, a game of roleplay and deduction, has become a popular pastime for the squad between games.

“It’s about being the best liar,” said midfielder Declan Rice. “The villagers have got to snuff out the wolves and the wolves have got to lie and tell everyone why they are not a wolf. There is a lot of teamwork, ganging up.”

Whatever England is doing at its base in Qatar, it’s working so far. No other team picked up more than the seven points England recorded on their way to the knockout round and they are only one of three teams still undefeated.

Foden hoping for more of ‘up and down’

Meanwhile, midfielder Phil Foden may have been one of the stars of their 3-0 win over Wales in the last Group B match, but despite his goal and fine display in that game, he admitted things could still go better for him in Qatar.

Foden didn’t appear in England’s 0-0 draw with the United States and only played the closing minutes of their 6-2 win against Iran, although he set up a goal for Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish.

He would be a popular choice to kick off England’s last-16 tie against Senegal on Sunday, but so far the youngster admitted his World Cup had been a “mixed bag”.

Speaking to the BBC, Foden said the World Cup had been “up and down.”

“I am disappointed not to start more games but it is part of the tournament. I am a team player and when I get the opportunities, I’ll take them,” he said.

Foden said the depth of the England squad is one of the reasons that playing time is so hard to come by. “There is a lot of competition; (Bukayo) Saka has done well and scored in the first game, (Marcus) Rashford has scored and did very well against Wales.

“Everyone is scoring and everyone has proved a point so it will be a headache for Gareth (Southgate) to pick the team for the next game,” he admitted.

Southgate rested players such as Saka, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling against Wales, and it will be fascinating to see if they return as any error can be fatal to World Cup hopes.

ALSO READ: Qatar 2022 witnesses highest attendance in FIFA World Cup history

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Qatar 2022 witnesses highest attendance in FIFA World Cup history

FIFA World Cup: Businesses, fans weigh costs and benefits of being in World Cup country (Photo credit: FIFA World Cup/Twitter)

History was also made by Stéphanie Frappart, who not only became the first woman to officiate a FIFA World Cup match, but also, together with Neuza Back and Karen Díaz Medina, formed the first all-female trio to take charge….reports Asian Lite News

After 13 days and 48 matches, the first edition of the FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the Middle East and Arab world has presented an array of facts and figures, starting with a cumulative stadium attendance of 2.45 million spectators, according to a report published by FIFA on its Qatar 2022 portal.

This 2.45-million figure equals an average of 96 percent occupancy and is higher than the corresponding 2.17-million figure for the 2018 edition. The highest attendance in the history of the FIFA World Cup since the 1994 final was seen at Lusail Stadium, where 88,966 fans witnessed the Argentina v. Mexico match.

On the pitch, the FIFA World Cup has faithfully reflected football’s increased competitiveness, as for the first time ever, teams from all continents have advanced to the round of 16. Likewise, three teams from the AFC (Australia, Japan and Korea Republic) have reached the knockout stages – a competition record for the Asian confederation, which previously only had two, in 2002 and 2010. Equally remarkably, for the second time, two African teams (Senegal and Morocco) have reached the knockout stages – the last occasion being in 2014.

History was also made by Stéphanie Frappart, who not only became the first woman to officiate a FIFA World Cup match, but also, together with Neuza Back and Karen Díaz Medina, formed the first all-female trio to take charge. Against Ghana, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo achieved another incredible milestone by becoming the first player to score at five editions of the tournament. Many matches have attracted the best audiences of the year in their respective countries, with England v. USA becoming the most watched men’s football match on US television ever.

“The outcome of the group stage shows the extent to which more countries have acquired the tools to compete at the highest level,” said FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger. “This is the result of better preparation and analysis of the opponents, which is also a reflection of a more equal access to technology. It is very much in line with FIFA’s efforts to increase football’s competitiveness on a global scale.”

As the group stage wrapped up last night, the FIFA Fan Festival welcomed its one millionth visitor. Besides the official tournament venues, Doha’s seaside promenade – the Corniche – has attracted more than two million people since the start of the tournament, with the traditional Souq Waqif market becoming another hotspot for fans from around the world. Uruguayan and Korean fans can be proud of having reached a mighty 131 decibels at their match at Education City Stadium – a noise akin to that heard at a live rock concert.

The most compact FIFA World Cup since the inaugural edition in 1930 is also benefiting fans, teams and media representatives, with the option of attending several matches and entertainment activities per day, while operations continue to run smoothly. During the group stage, the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks notched up 9.19 million trips, with a daily average of 707,032 passengers.

The two international airports are comfortably accommodating the influx of fans and teams – so far, 2 million Hayyas (Fan IDs) applications have been received, with fans from Saudi Arabia, India, the USA, the United Kingdom and Mexico at the top of the list for tournament attendance to date. In spite of the unprecedented condensed footprint, with 24 teams staying within a 10km radius of each other, players and officials have also smoothly transferred 3,321 times in and around Doha.

“It’s been a fantastic World Cup, with groundbreaking figures and memorable moments both on and off the pitch. Fans are having an amazing time in Doha, and the whole world is following with excitement on TV as new records as set every day,” said FIFA COO World Cup, Colin Smith. “What some saw as a challenge, we saw as an opportunity. Teams, media and spectators are enjoying more matches, more festivals, more football, more fun – the compact footprint is comfortably addressing the influx of visitors through state-of-the-art infrastructure and thorough operational plans.”

“Together with the host country, we are constantly monitoring and addressing any situation that arises, but the figures already achieved and the fans celebrating together in a joyful and peaceful way throughout this group stage speak for themselves – we are on track to deliver a successful and unforgettable FIFA World Cup.”

ALSO READ: Qatar games unite people

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China censors shots of maskless World Cup crowd

FIFA World Cup: Businesses, fans weigh costs and benefits of being in World Cup country (Photo credit: FIFA World Cup/Twitter)

Chinese netizens said it was “weird” to see hundreds of thousands of people gathering in a carnival-like atmosphere while they were still forced to live under a draconian system…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese state television has censored FIFA World Cup matches to remove shots of maskless crowd after the sight of joyous fans celebrating in packed stadia stoked anger back home, where hundreds of millions remain under strict pandemic restrictions, according to a media report.

A well-attended opening ceremony in Doha with no social distancing led to users of Chinese social media platforms complaining that it contrasted with the severe isolation they felt under President Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy, The Guardian reported.

Chinese netizens said it was “weird” to see hundreds of thousands of people gathering in a carnival-like atmosphere while they were still forced to live under a draconian system that most other countries have long abandoned, the report said.

Mark Dreyer, who runs the China Sports Insider blog, noticed that games broadcast on the state-owned channel, China Central Television (CCTV), were being edited to avoid live shots of cheering crowd and instead show closeu-ps of the players and coaches.

“Of course, there are going to be times when you still see crowd shots � wider shots, after some goals when a cutaway shot would be too jarring etc. But there is clear reduction,” Dreyer wrote on Twitter.

Broadcasters at sporting tournaments are typically given the option by organisers to choose their own camera angles, and can set a delay so that the game can be edited quickly before the public sees it.

Dreyer, the author of ‘Sporting Superpower: An Insider’s View on China’s Quest to Be the Best’, said such “pre-emptive censorship” was not a new policy for Beijing.

“Chinese broadcasters are notoriously cautious of crowd shots at international sporting events because of what might be seen like Tibetan flags, for example,” he said, The Guardian reported.

ALSO READ: ‘A4 Revolution’ grips China

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Portugal get off to a winning start

Ronaldo scored from the spot 20 minutes into the second half thus becoming the first man to score in five World Cups….reports Asian Lite News

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo put all the off-field worries surrounding Manchester United to rest as he scored an opening goal in the 3 2 win over Ghana in the Group H match at the Stadium 974 in Doha on Thursday evening.

After a barren first half, the second half produced five goals with Ronaldo opening the scoring for Selecao de Quinas.

Ronaldo scored from the spot 20 minutes into the second half thus becoming the first man to score in five World Cups.

The Ghanians refused to throw in the towel and bounced back with a goal from A. Ayew in the 73rd minute.

The joy was short lived as Felix got his name on the scorers’ list five minutes later giving Portugal the lead, making it 2-1.

Two minutes Portugal struck again this time Leao getting into the thick of action to make it 3 -1 and make it difficult for Ghana to make a late fightback.

The Africans, however, fought back scoring a goal with one minute left for the normal time through O. Bukari.

Earlier, in the first half Ronaldo’s goal was overuled. The star striker finished quite splendidly with the free kick taken by Bruno Fernandes but the referee blew the whistle to cancel out the goal, much to the protestations of the Portuguese faithful at the stadium.

The atmosphere was electric. All eyes were on one man. The man who doesn’t need any introduction. However bigger things were at play.

The crowd erupted as soon as the great man Cristiano Ronaldo took his first touch. Ghana on the other hand were looking to stay in shape and frustrate Portugal. Fernando Santos’ men were trying to play attacking football.

Bruno and Ronaldo’s combination play and Santos’s tactics were under scanner.

Ronaldo spearheaded Portugal’s attack alongside Joao Felix in their opening match while Danilo Pereira joined Ruben Dias in the centre of defence. In midfield, Santos chose an attacking formation with only Ruben Neves as an anchor.

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King Salman declares holiday to celebrate victory

Following the team’s shock win, Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard said that sometimes “things completely crazy can happen”….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia has declared a holiday on Wednesday after its football team’s stunning victory over two-time champions Argentina in a Group C clash at Lusail stadium on Tuesday, local media reported.

“King Salman orders that tomorrow, Wednesday, will be a holiday for all employees in public and private sectors as well as for students in all phases of education, in celebration of #SaudiArabia’s stunning victory against Argentina in #WorldCup2022,” Saudi Gazette, an English language daily in Saudi Arabia, said in a tweet.

Saudi Arabia broke Argentina’s 36-match unbeaten streak, including winning the Copa America 2021. The world no.51 team started their World Cup campaign with a momentous win.

Saudi Arabia stunned two-time champions Argentina 2-1 in a group C FIFA World Cup tie played here at the Lusail stadium.

Following the team’s shock win, Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard said that sometimes “things completely crazy can happen”.

“Congratulations to these fantastic players. I decided to come to this country three and a half years ago and since this time I have had the management, an amazing president and the ministry of sport always behind us,” Renard was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“Even when we visit our prince two, three weeks ago he did not put any pressure on us. This is the way you have to work in football because when you are putting too much pressure it is not working all the time.”

“We prepared very well and today all the stars in the sky were in the same line for us. But do not forget Argentina are still a fantastic team. They came here without losing lose any game in 36 and they are South American champions.”

“They have amazing players, but this is football. Sometimes things completely crazy can happen. Have a good celebration during 20 minutes and that is it. There are still two games – or more – for us,” concluded the manager.

Argentina got off to a great start as Lionel Messi converted a penalty in the 10th minute to give his side a 1-0 lead. Playing in his fifth World Cup, Messi beat Saudi Arabia’s goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais to find the net.

The second half was a different story altogether as Saudi Arabia came with a new vigour with Saleh Al-Shehri scoring a goal for them to level the score 1-1. Al-Shehri squeezed in a low shot into the nets.

Five minutes later the Saudis took the lead as Salem Al-Dawsari tapped in a goal in the 53rd minute.

Despite a lot of possession after conceding the goal, the two-time champions were unable to level the score. Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais made many important saves and their defence also stood tall in the match’s dying moments.

Abdulelah Al Amri was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his brilliant performance. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia shocks Messi’s Argentina with 2-1 win

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‘FIFA WC 2022 to change the perceptions’

FIFA World Cup.

Qatar 2022 will be held in eight state-of-the-art stadiums from 20 November to 18 December. The tournament will get underway when hosts Qatar face Ecuador at the majestic Al Bayt Stadium…reports Asian Lite News

World and Olympic high jump champion Mutaz Barshim said the FIFA World Cup will help change the ‘negative perceptions about the region and believes Qatar’s staging of the football showpiece event presents a unique opportunity to unite people through their shared love of football.

“The World Cup will positively impact our society by showcasing our culture worldwide and helping people to create friendships and build networks. It is a golden opportunity to change negative perceptions about the region and create new and meaningful connections,” said Barshim, who is also a FIFA World Cup Ambassador.

Qatar Football World Cup will change negative perceptions about the region, says High Jump world champion Barshim

Growing up, Barshim was inspired by his father, who was also a track and field athlete. Barshim would follow his father to the local training club before later joining the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence – where he soon became one of the country’s most promising track and field athletes.

Barshim’s breakthrough year came in 2010 when he won the World Junior Championships. He has won a slew of medals since, including three World Athletics Championships titles, in 2017, 2019 and 2022. He claimed Olympic silver in 2012 and 2016 before bagging gold at Tokyo 2020 after sharing the high jump title with Italian Gianmarco Tamberi. Barshim is the first Qatari to win Olympic gold in a track and field event.

“I have lived the dream of being at a global event and it having a major impact on me. The things I have learned, the experiences I went through, the relationships I built, the friendships I formed and the milestones I have been able to achieve – they all made a really positive change in my life and I can’t wait to see that happen here in Qatar during the World Cup,” the champion high jumper said, whose younger brother Meshaal is part of the Qatar national team taking part in the World Cup and guards the goal for the host nation at the 29-day tournament.

Qatar 2022 will be held in eight state-of-the-art stadiums from 20 November to 18 December. The tournament will get underway when hosts Qatar face Ecuador at the majestic Al Bayt Stadium.

Barshim said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that won’t be repeated. We’re hosting the World Cup in an Arab country and a Muslim country for the first time. I hope everyone comes and makes the most of this experience to learn more about Arab hospitality and all different cultures.”

‘FIFA TO UNITE WORLD’

Football is much more than a sport, and has a “unique magic” power to bring people together, said FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

While attending the ongoing G20 Summit held in Bali, Indonesia, Infantino called on world leaders to set aside tensions and conflicts, and enjoy the quadrennial football event which is scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 18 in Qatar.

“The World Cup should be an occasion for joy and unity. It should send a message of hope,” Infantino told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Infantino said football is also an important economic activity with a global GDP of hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars, creating millions of jobs and bolstering economic growth. “This is about growth, economic growth,” said the FIFA head.

Infantino expected the FIFA World Cup in Qatar to be viewed by five billion people, more than half of the world’s population.

Noting China’s plan to bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031, Infantino said that the move, together with China’s involvement in football clubs and youth football, helps address regional imbalances in football development, and is crucial for the overall development of the sport.

“China has to be a key part of growth of football. Bidding for important events has to be an element that makes football grow even more in China, women’s or men’s football,” he said.

He said that FIFA has been discussing how to implement a footballing culture in China, with the hope of making young boys and girls dream of becoming football players, and teaching them team spirit and respect for each other.

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Indian mission in Qatar launches helpline for FIFA WC fans

The fans can dial the Indian Embassy helpline for FIFA fans or send a WhatsApp message to the mentioned numbers…writes Armstrong Vas

Indian fans heading to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be able to reach out to a dedicated Indian Embassy helpline in case of any emergency or to seek the required help.

The fans can dial the Indian Embassy helpline for FIFA fans or send a WhatsApp message to the mentioned numbers. They can also reach out by sending an email or alternatively visit the Indian Embassy or the Indian Embassy help desk at the International Consular Services Centre (ICSC), Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), West Bay.

The following number are listed for calling or to send WhatsApp messages: +974 3993 1874, +974 3993 6759, +974 3993 4308.

The fans can also call +974 5564 7502 or +974 5566 7569 or reach out to the help desk at the International Consular Services Centre ayt +974 4012 4809, or communicate with the Indian Embassy via the official email — indemb.fifahelpline@gmail.com.

The Embassy of India in Qatar is located at Villa No. 86 & 90, Al Eithra Street, Zone 63 Onaiza, Doha.

The football showpiece event, the first to be held in the Middle East, will kick off on November 20, in which 32 teams will compete. The final will be held on December 18 at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA World Cup.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), organisers of the World Cup, has already opened the International Consular Services Centre (ICSC) at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre (DECC).

The ICSC will support fans coming for this year’s World Cup from all the 31 nations which qualified for the event along with hosts Qatar, and India.

“The centre will offer embassies a centralised and accessible location to resolve consular issues facing their fans, with key links to various national entities,” Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General, SC, had said after its launch.

“The centre provides a new model of international collaboration for consular services at mega-events – a blueprint for future event organisers. Above all, it is a living example of the power of the World Cup to bring countries and peoples from every corner of the globe together, under one roof,” he added.

As of now three million tickets have been sold which amount to 95 per cent sales.

A significant number of people from India have bought tickets and at the end of the two phases of ticket sales, out of the 1.8 million tickets sold, more than 23,500 were bought by fans in India.

After the first phase of ticketing, India was ranked seventh in ticket sales.

The top 10 countries where tickets have been purchased are: Qatar, the US, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, the UAE, Argentina, France, Brazil and Germany.

At Russia 2018, almost 18,000 fans from India were in attendance. Across all non-competing countries, India had the third highest number of fans in Russia, behind only the US and China.

The Indian Embassy has also issued a travel advisory on carrying medicines to Qatar while listing out the names of the prohibited medicines which can land fans into trouble.

“All travellers to Qatar are advised to exercise due caution in carrying medicines. In this context, the following is advised: (1) It is prohibited to carry medicines which contain narcotics or psychotropic substances while arriving in the State of Qatar. These include medicines likeLyrica, Tramadol, Alprazolam (Xanax), Diazepam (Valium), Zolam, Clonazepam Zolpidem, Codeine, Methadone, Pregabalin.”

The advisory warns fans that carrying the prohibited medicines can land them behind bars.

The full list of prohibited/banned medicines may be seen at: indianembassyqatar.gov.in/users/assets/pdf/announcement/prohibitedmedicines.pdf

It also advised the travelling fans not to carry the prohibited substances and those meant for personal consumption should be supported by prescription from a recognised medical practitioner.

“Do not carry medicines for friends and family. Medicines which are not banned and meant for personal use should carry proper prescription only for a period of 30 days from a recognised doctor or a reputed hospital,” the travel advisor adds.

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Dubai issues first multi-entry visa to FIFA WC fans

FIFA World Cup.

Mohammed Jalal, a Jordanian football fan, has become the first recipient of the visa…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has issued the first 90- day multiple-entry tourist visa for ‘’Hayya cardholders” travelling to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Mohammed Jalal, a Jordanian football fan, has become the first recipient of the visa.

This comes within the framework of the UAE’s support for the State of Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 by hosting visitors to the event and allowing them to enter and leave the UAE several times during its validity period.

Lt. General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA, said Qatar is expected to receive 1.4 million visitors during the World Cup period from 21st November to 18th December, 2022.

He added that the GDRFA has completed its preparations to provide a package of unprecedented services for the football fans and those who wish to enjoy the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Dubai.

Arrivals can have their visas before reaching the country and can shuttle frequently between Dubai and Doha for matches several times a day, he added.

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