With fewer than two months till the event, the level of anticipation for the World Cup is as high as ever. A massive display of flags in the shape of soccer balls, flags representing the 32 competing countries, football legends’ photographs posted on prominent buildings, and special designs on public transit like buses and the Metro are just a few of the attractions prior to the quadrennial tournament.
Photographs of great football players, including Hassan Al Haydos (Kuwait), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Andre Ayew (Ghana), and Sadio Mane (Senegal), have been erected in the well-known neighborhood of West Bay (Qatar). While moving around the area, one can see their enormous images. Flags of the participating nations, shaped like footballs, may be seen at West Bay as well as along the Corniche.
Flags of the 32 countries competing in the FIFA World Cup on display. PIC Salim Matramkot/ The Peninsula
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One can also notice the image of a goalkeeper’s hand whilst holding the ball at Al Dana Tower. The high-rise building is distinct for its astonishing spherical conference room in the shape of a Gulf pearl – this has been portrayed as a soccer ball for the display.
Outdoor display board with the FIFA mascots throughout the years can be seen in Al Sadd intersection; La’eeb, the Official Mascot for this year’s World Cup, is placed at the centre of the billboard. Various large digital ads showcasing the main slogan “Now is All” along with a moving graphics of a goalkeeper in action can be viewed along Salwa Road, Ramada Signal.
The Doha Metro has also started beautifying its stations including walls, elevators and even the exterior of each station with the World Cup theme.
Juan Agripa from the Philippines who is part of the 20,000-strong volunteers for the event, said he can really feel that the heat is on for the biggest sporting tournament.
“Vibrant colours are everywhere in the Metro, I can feel the excitement for the World Cup and I can’t wait for it to unfold,” he said.
Footbridges around the country have also been designed with FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 themes. This includes pedestrian bridge at Al Istiqlal Street and C-Ring Road among others. They show the FIFA World Cup 2022 Official Emblem and the text “FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.”
Last week, Ashghal announced the completion of eight pedestrian bridges in the streets of Najma, Al Khaleej, Al Istiqlal, Al Furousiya, Onaiza, Doha Express Highway, Al Wukair Road, and C-Ring Road. The bridges are also integral for the World Cup as these serve Suheim bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar Sports Club, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Al Sadd Sports Club, and Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium in Al Ahli Sports Club, which will be used as training stadiums during the sporting event.
The Peninsula spoke to some daily commuters.
Jasmine from Bangladesh said travelling around Qatar via Metro and bus made her feel that the country is all set for the mega event.
Alexandre from Spain said he witnessed how the country transformed its cities, from building the stadiums to beautifying the roads and buildings.
“Since Qatar won the World Cup bid more than a decade ago, the country has developed drastically, especially now that we are only inches away from the event itself. I can’t wait to support my country as well as my second home — Qatar.”
Alexandre from Spain said he witnessed how the country transformed its cities, from building the stadiums to beautifying the roads and buildings.
“Since Qatar won the World Cup bid more than a decade ago, the country has developed drastically, especially now that we are only inches away from the event itself. I can’t wait to support my country as well as my second home — Qatar.”
