There are six fan zones in downtown Doha, and the fan festival started last night (19th). Tens of thousands of fans gathered and the atmosphere got even hotter when beer sales were allowed.
Reporter Bae Jeong-hoon visited the scene.
<배정훈 기자>
In the late afternoon long lines form in the park.
This is to enter the fan zone where only holders of the Qatar “Haya Card” visa can enter.
As the crowd gathered, exceeding the 40,000 mark, the police turned away the fans and worked hard to control the scene.
Upon entering the venue after a long wait, a beautiful festival takes place in the square with a big screen.
From massive fireworks that light up the night sky to drone shows that capture the attention of fans.
The fan festival has radiated enthusiasm since it opened.
Fans adorned in the uniforms and national flags of the participating countries mobilized various cheering instruments, danced and sang, and had a wild night.
[올레~올레올레올레~ 튀니지! 튀니지!]
There is another special feature here.
It is quite difficult to buy alcohol in Qatar.
But here in the fan zone you can enjoy the festivities while drinking beer.
There was a long line at the liquor store on one side of the venue, and fans enjoyed the Doha night by drinking expensive beer worth 18,000 won.
As the Qatari authorities decided not to allow drinking around the stadium, soccer fans during the World Cup can only buy alcohol in restricted areas, including the fan zone here.
[콘트레라스·로페스/맥시코 축구팬 : 일부 호텔이나 팬 존에서는 주류 구입이 가능하지만, 번화가에서는 살 수가 없습니다. 우리는 (주류를 제한하는) 문화를 존중해야 한다고 믿습니다. 그런데 가격이 너무 비싸긴 합니다.]
Qatari authorities plan to continue the heat by operating 6 fan zones during the World Cup.
(Video Cover: Yoo Dong-hyeok, Video Editing: Woo Ki-jeong, CG: Jegal-chan)
