“I like football a lot. That’s why he flew here. This World Cup is a great experience. Everything is great in Qatar’ – said a cricketer. Farveez Maharoof, former Sri Lanka international. Along with Maharoof, another ‘Lew’ has become a spectator in the football world.
Sanath Jayasuriya literally rewrote the direction of cricket with his firework batting. The two arrived at Albeit Stadium to witness the opening ceremony. The next day, both of them were in the gallery as witnesses of the ‘historic battle’ when Saudi Arabia overthrew Argentina.
Many people from Sri Lanka have come to Qatar to watch cricket this time. A large number of Sri Lankans who work here are football fans. ‘I’m a die-hard football fan. Lionel Messi is my hero since childhood.
It was a dream to see the World Cup in person. This time I will be in Doha for the duration of the tournament. Go back only after finals. I have bought tickets for 16 games. The preparations for this World Cup are excellent’ – said Hamza Hanif, a soccer fan from Lanka.
Dhananjay, an Uber taxi driver, feels lucky that the World Cup has reached Qatar. “I have loved football since I was at school. It has been six years since I came to Qatar to work. It was a blessing that the World Cup came here. Watch the match between Brazil and Switzerland live. I am a big fan of Neymar. Disappointed he didn’t play.
But I could see the Brazil game. The team won. If the World Cup had not come to Qatar, I would not have been able to enjoy anything in my life.’ Like India, this is the World Cup with the largest attendance in Sri Lanka’s history. The expatriate youths were also active in the celebrations before the World Cup, including the Fan Fest. The ‘fan fight’ behind the teams including Argentina and Brazil is also active for the World Cup.
