Doha (from our correspondent) – As if we weren’t even in the real world. But the day before the World Cup starts, there are no fans anywhere. Welcome to the metropolis of Qatar, Doha. Is it the calm before the storm and will fans be arriving at this event as usual?
Most likely yes. However, there was no sign of this on Saturday. Virtually only media representatives can be seen in the subway, which is controlled by a machine. Here and there, a worker from poorer Asian countries, who outnumber native Qataris, mingles with them.
Thousands of volunteers fix the latest shortcomings, put up advertising banners. Or they sweep the sidewalks. Which is funny because it’s clean down to earth. No one had to screw up yet. At first glance, it is simply obvious that Qatar has spent an incredible amount – 200 billion dollars (4.8 trillion kroner) in preparation for the world championship. A small Arab country, which is the size of the Central Bohemian region, wants to shine. Pull yourself up to the world who can organize the biggest sporting event on the planet.
For now, however, there is “peace on the sidewalk” in Doha, which is unusual for an event of this format shortly before its start. Fans arrive at the European and world championships several days in advance. They drink, have fun, joke with each other Nothing like that in Doha yet there is no viewing.
Fans may be put off by the extreme heat (it was 35 degrees in Doha at midday on Saturday) and severe restrictions on alcohol consumption. During the championship, the beer will only be available at the Fan Festival, plus for £12 (about 330 kroner). It will not be available in stadiums. Perhaps, due to the sweltering heat, the fans stay in hotels and apartments and wait for the start of the championship. Will the ghost town eventually become a football metropolis?
