It's almost impossible to walk the streets of Doha without thinking how authentic everything that is happening here now is, as the soccer world cup kicks off today with the first match between the hosts Qatar and Ecuador.
Music that seems out of time emanates from huge speakers everywhere.
Likewise, the flags of the countries competing in the tournament are displayed in every corner of the streets of the polished city.
Above all stands out the burgundy and white flag of Qatar from every second window of a third building.
Sit for a coffee with a pastry.
The figure that became one of the symbols of the World Cup in Qatar appeared in every corner, photo: AFP
Furthermore, World Cup soccer symbols, from the hooded ghost mascot to the logo of the international tournament, appear in central areas of the city.
Qatar 2022's design department appears to be one of the best the World Cup has known in generations.
The colorful colors blend well with the desert landscape and the hundreds of camels that appear in the afternoon, as if to remind the guests that despite the international atmosphere, they have still arrived in the Middle East.
The first match will take place between Qatar and Ecuador, photo: AFP
From India with love.
A colorful sand sculpture created by an Indian artist sends greetings of peace and friendship to the World Cup, photo: Getty Images
As mentioned, the question that floats all the time is how real it is.
The fans also raise this question.
Many of them look "fake", but in fact they are Indians from the state of Kerala, fanatics of the game, who got a chance to reach the World Cup at a relatively close destination.
There are, of course, also the "original" fans.
You can say that about a group of four crazy Argentines who crossed the world by bicycle for six months and arrived here just in time.
"We were even in Haifa and Jerusalem on this trip, the Israelis hosted us with warmth and love," they told Israel Hayom.
A local resident with an Ecuadorian fan, photo: AFP
From South America with love.
The presence of Mexico fans with sombrero hats on the streets of the city stands out, photo: IPA
In general, the presence of the South Americans in Doha stands out, among them Mexicans with sombreros and well-to-do guys from Ecuador (however, this World Cup requires money).
There are also quite a few Africans from the west of the continent walking around the streets.
There are hardly any Europeans here, at least at this point, and the rumors say that it is related to the ban on drinking alcohol that came into effect at the end of the week.
decisions off the cuff
Naturally, there is a constant desire to pass criticism, certainly when such fateful decisions are made by pulling out of the sleeve and with such force.
Therefore, there seems to be a very artificial element here and very little authenticity.
In the end, Qatar is not a soccer country, and it built this World Cup from scratch starting in 2010, when it assumed the right to host.
It is quite clear that foreign workers lost their lives during the construction of the lots and that the state violates basic human rights and the LGBT community.
Qatar ship.
The football atmosphere blends with the desert landscape of the peninsula, photo: AFP
At the same time, it turns out that FIFA's main goal is to curb half of the criticism, even before the games start. Right now, this is its main battle.
The president of the organization Gianni Infantino tried to do this through his opening speech.
"I feel Arab, African, disabled, a foreign worker, and also gay";
"I promise that if you don't drink beer for three hours - you will survive";
"The ones who take care of the workers are Qatar, FIFA and football," Infantino said and was not really able to neutralize the workers. So the doubt regarding holding the World Cup games in Qatar remains.
Brushing the field.
FIFA is eagerly awaiting the start of the games, photo: IPA
Burnt fans.
Argentina hopes to win the World Cup in Qatar again, photo: Reuters
The question that remains is whether this will continue to be the status of the 2022 World Cup even after the opening whistle is blown - and the focus will shift from the streets to the pitch.
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