Spain was once the talk of the beautiful game just over ten years ago. La Roja dominated world football from 2008 to 2012, winning two European Championships and their first FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
Spain’s fans have great hopes for every big competition, and this year’s World Cup in Qatar is no exception. Enrique Blanco, a resident of Doha, is one supporter prepared to applaud Spain’s best. The 36-year-old has been employed as a project manager at Hamad International Airport by the German design firm Bohnacker for seven years.
A Valladolid native, who currently lives in The Pearl, Blanco believes Spain fans will make a colourful contribution to this year’s tournament, which will be held in eight state-of-the-art stadiums from 20 November to 18 December.
How would you describe Qatar to people who haven’t visited the country?
What stands out for me is the multicultural society we have here. When I go out for lunch with friends, there can easily be six or more nationalities around the table. It’s great, as you get to learn about different cultures and different points of view.
Where are your favourite places to visit in Qatar?
I love the Falcon Souq in Souq Waqif – it’s very unique. It includes a falcon hospital and you see locals bringing their pets for medical care. There is also a small beach in Dukhan, which is nice and quiet, and a good place to go snorkeling and see the many different species of fish. I would also recommend visiting Qatar Foundation. The Education City Mosque is a must-see, as it is very beautiful inside.
What advice would you give to Spain fans planning to visit Qatar for the tournament?
My advice is to be open-minded and not draw your conclusions based on what has been reported about the country. Focus on what you see – not what someone else has told you – because Qatar offers much more than what people think. There are many things you can see and do here, even though it is a small country.
What can we expect from Spain fans here in Qatar?
They will be noisy and passionate for sure. Some will dress like matadors or in traditional clothes. A World Cup is a party – and nobody parties better than the Spanish. I’m sure they will love all the festivities and mixing with people from other countries. I’m sure this will lead to many friendships that last long after the World Cup.
Spain will play their group matches at Al Thumama, Al Bayt and Khalifa International. Are you looking forward to sampling the atmosphere at these venues?
I am indeed! I can’t wait to see those matches because this is going to be the first World Cup I have attended in person and I think it’s going to be amazing. There will be a mosaic of different people and flags and colours at the stadiums. I’m especially looking forward to the match at Al Bayt. It is such a unique stadium and a fitting place for our game against Germany.
This will be Spain’s 16th appearance at a FIFA World Cup. How do you think Luis Enrique’s side will do at Qatar 2022?
My intellect believes we will go to the semifinals, but my heart believes we will win the trophy for a second time. It will be extremely challenging to duplicate what we accomplished in 2010, when we had some of the top players in the world and emulated Barcelona’s style of play. This is unlikely to occur once more for a very long period. When I consider the other teams, I believe France, with their blend of youth and experience, is most likely to repeat as champion. But given that it’s a World Cup, everything is possible. Although I’m realistic and realize there are many strong teams in the tournament, I sincerely hope we can win again.
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