Summary
FIFA Chief To Address Media
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will address the media at a press conference on the eve of the opening match at the 2022 World Cup. It will start at 11 am (08:00 GMT).
More than 100 reporters worldwide are gathered at the Qatar National Convention Centre to hear everything that FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has to say. The 52-year-old Swiss-Italian became head of the football governing body in February 2016.
Despite the lack of opposition, he will likely be re-elected for a third term in 2023.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister Talks World Cup With U.S. Official
Qatar has just concluded a meeting with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, according to their foreign ministry. The meeting focused on preparations for the World Cup and ongoing tensions between Qatar and neighboring countries.
State Department officials said a phone call occurred before Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to land in Qatar on Monday for some bilateral discussions, including the upcoming match between the U.S. and Wales.
The U.S. has rewarded its important non-NATO ally, Qatar, by designating the country a major non-NATO ally earlier this year.
Messi Sits Out Argentina Training Session.
Argentina suffers from Lionel Messi and six other players being noticeably absent from practice. Two Argentine players were sent home due to injuries last week.
According to the Argentine Football Association, team captain Messi and four other Argentinian national team starters trained separately from the rest of the team on Friday.
Despite missing training camp on Friday, Lisandro Martinez and Juan Foyth could still compete Saturday night.
Lula: ‘it’s Time For Brazil To Win The World Cup Again.’
It’s been 18 years since Brazil won the World Cup. With their new president-elect saying it’s time for Brazil to win another one, sports fans are cautiously optimistic about a possible victory.
After advancing through the first round of voting, the former President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, announced his candidacy for public office in the 2018 presidential elections.
He said poor performances from important national teams like Italy are worrisome for Brazihia’s World Cup hopes. That star player Cristiano Ronaldo is not performing as he once did fifteen years ago.
“Brazil has a much better chance of winning this World Cup,” he commented.
The Rise Of Qatar’s Unofficial Anthem
When the little-known word became a rousing anthem of national pride, the country was under a regional diplomatic boycott in 2017 and again when Qatar won the Asian Cup this year.
The song “Shoomilah” was not created for the Qatari national team but quickly became an anthem. It even found its way into Balotelli’s locker room.
Quiet Morning Ahead Of A Big Day In Qatar
Today in Qatar, it’s not just another day. For residents and citizens, that’s because they are mired in a 12-year build-up that has dominated life since the country was awarded the 2022 World Cup tournament.
What Happened Yesterday?
Supposedly, the ruling impacts the sale of beer in stadiums from last-minute decisions. The rulebook needs to provide information on how the beer will be allowed at future games. The new law will only go into effect for a year, which seems like a long time to prep for changes. FIFA has fully released its new anthem.
‘i Hope Portugal Will Do Well.’
Portugal coach Fernando Santos waved briefly to the media as his team arrived on Saturday morning in Qatar.
“I’m hoping this will be the best World Cup yet,” said Fernando Santos, Portugal’s coach. “Portugal will also do well in the sporting aspects.”
A group of players from Mexico’s national team combined their downtime for a good cause during an early spring punctuated by warm temperatures.
The players donated some of their downtimes to construction projects in Qatar’s northern resort city, but they rode bikes throughout their stay.
They’re one of the 32 teams competing in this year’s World Cup based far outside Doha.
Germany and Belgium are in the north, while Saudi Arabia is in the south. Qatar’s border is with Saudi Arabia on the southern border.
That way, anyone looking for an avant-garde experience can find it somewhere near Qatar. Zulal Wellness Resort at the very top of the country offers plenty of options for those travelers who want a luxurious escape.
Related:
England “Ready To Go” As Argentina Prepare With 5-0 Thrashing