German elected Qataris unpack: "Can't understand the negativity" - criticism "unfair"

Created: 11/28/2022, 2:03 p.m

By: Christoph Klaucke

Germans living in Qatar are watching the World Cup match against Spain together.

They have no understanding for the criticism of their adopted country from Germany.

Doha – Around 1800 Germans live in Qatar.

Some of them met at a regulars' table in Doha on Sunday.

The Qataris by choice trembled along with the German national team, which fought a 1-1 draw against Spain at the 2022 World Cup.

At the same time, the German emigrants were bothered by the criticism from Germany of their adopted country of Qatar.

German regulars meet in Qatar to watch the World Cup

The "German Speaking Stammtisch" in the capital Doha followed the German team in the game against Spain late on Sunday evening (time difference in Qatar) in front of two large screens while alcohol was being served on the terrace of a luxury hotel.

In Qatar, alcohol is only served in selected restaurants and hotel bars.

Before the World Cup, there was a dispute about selling beer in front of the stadium, and the price is far higher than in Germany - half a beer costs as much as a whole crate.

German football fans watch the World Cup.

© Jonas Walzberg/dpa

Potato salad in Qatar: Germans support DFB-Elf from the adopted country

In German jerseys and with black, red and gold scarves or with the German flag on their backs, a few dozen fans cheered on the eleven from home – including singing the German national anthem together.

The regulars' table is a long-standing institution and meets once a month in different hotels.

Meanwhile, the “biggest public viewing in southern Germany” flopped completely at the first Germany game.

"It is very, very important for the community that you have something where you can exchange ideas and make friends," says Eva Wallbruch, who has lived in Qatar for 17 years and has been organizing the regulars' table for ten years, the

.

That's a bit of home, too.

Cultivated with German cuisine such as potato salad or mashed potatoes.

Christmas, Easter and the Oktoberfest are also celebrated German-style.

Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar: All stadiums at a glance

View photo gallery

Criticism of Qatar "unfair": German emigrants praise positive changes

When it came to Qatar criticism, however, the joy quickly gave way to great incomprehension.

Wallbruch and other Germans living in Qatar are extremely skeptical about the harsh criticism at home of the World Cup hosts.

Qatar is accused, among other things, of disregarding human rights.

The German team set an example throughout Europe with a protest campaign.

also read

Scandal about "bathrobes" statement by Sandro Wagner at DFB game: ZDF reacts

"The thing played down with a pulse of 80" - ZDF expert Kramer makes fun of world champion colleagues

"The discussions are largely unfair and not differentiated," says Henning Zimmermann, Chairman of the German Business Council Qatar.

All that glitters in Qatar is not gold.

“But a lot has changed that nobody wants to see.” He cites the kafala system as an example.

This binds foreigners to a local sponsor and can open the floodgates to exploitation.

"What happened here is ten times more than in other Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia or the Emirates," says Zimmermann.

Qataris by choice complain about criticism: “Cannot understand negativity in Germany”

Eva Wallbruch would have wished that the Germans who had been living in the emirate for a long time had been asked to get an idea of ​​life in the Gulf state.

What do you like best about Qatar?

"The openness, the positivity and the incredible hospitality," says the 44-year-old, who works for a Qatari company.

"I cannot understand and understand the negativity in Germany." 

After more than 90 minutes of trembling with the German team in a gripping 1-1 draw, the native of Berlin was knocked out. "I can't take it anymore," she whispers in a slightly hoarse voice.

She is not organizing a regulars' table for the decisive game against Costa Rica in the fight for a place in the round of 16 next Thursday.

Then she goes to the stadium.