There are six fan zones in downtown Doha, and the fan festival started last night (the 19th). Tens of thousands of fans gathered and the atmosphere became even hotter as the sale of beer was allowed.
Reporter Bae Jeong-hoon visited the scene.
<배정훈 기자>
By late afternoon, long lines form in the park.
This is to enter the fan zone where only Qatar entry visa ‘Haya Card’ holders can enter.
As the crowd gathered, exceeding the quota of 40,000, the police sent the supporters away and worked hard to control the scene.
Entering the venue after a long wait, a beautiful festival unfolds in the plaza with a big screen.
From spectacular fireworks that light up the night sky to drone shows that capture the attention of fans.
The fan festival radiated enthusiasm from the opening.
Fans who were decorated with the national costumes and flags of the participating countries used different cheering equipment, danced and sang, and had a wild night.
[올레~올레올레올레~ 튀니지! 튀니지!]
There is one more special feature here.
It is quite difficult to buy alcohol in Qatar.
But here in the fan zone you can enjoy the celebrations while drinking beer.
There was a long line at the liquor store on one side of the venue, and fans enjoyed the night in Doha drinking expensive beer worth 18,000 won.
As the Qatari authorities have decided not to allow drinking around the stadium, World Cup football fans can only buy alcohol in limited 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.]
Qatar authorities plan to continue the heat by operating 6 fan zones during the World Cup.
(Video commentary: Yoo Dong-hyeok, video editing: Woo Ki-jeong, CG: Jegal-chan)
