For many football fans, vlogging and taking pictures with fans of various competing teams at an event like the FIFA World Cup has become a universal language.
On November 20, many locals and visitors enthusiastically joined supporters of competing teams in celebrations and other activities taking place at various locations throughout Doha for the start of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Just outside the Sports City metro station yesterday before the Japan v Germany match, supporters of both teams – clad in unique traditional and attractive costumes – enjoyed taking pictures together.
“Everyone understands what it means when a stranger hands you his or her phone, joins your group for a picture… no need for words, and it feels great to see such as a lovely atmosphere,” said Lydia, a Filipino expatriate, who along with his family, supports the Japanese football team.
Indian expatriate Arun echoed a similar view saying that such gesture only proves that sport, football in particular, builds a strong connection between people who speak different languages.
While he supports the German football team, he only has nice words for the Japanese people, saying: “I love the people from Japan, they are very neat, respectful, and friendly.”
His compatriot, Jerin Johny, also a German team supporter, share the same view as well, citing the Japanese people positive traits such as punctuality, cleanliness and courteousness – traits that other nationalities can learn from.
This was highlighted in a viral video showing Japanese fans cleaning the Al Bayt Stadium after the tournament’s opening and first match between Qatar and Ecuador.
“Japan, one of the best cleanest countries I ever seen and they are very down to earth, very polite,” Johny added.
Miyu from Japan who spent time for picture-taking with both Japanese and German supporters lauded the organising of the World Cup in Qatar, citing an efficient transportation system.
She said: “people are very kind, the metro is very good, Arabic food is tasty, and the tournament is well organised.”
Taka, a second Japanese national, and a group of pals also made time to film and take pictures with fans, both families and singles, who were milling around the site.
When asked about Qatar’s infrastructure, he expressed his shock and claimed the stadiums were “fantastic, stylish, and amazing.”
He has plans to explore some Qatari tourist attractions and museums.
Some German supporters were also seen cheering for Japan while waving German flags and chanting phrases like “konichiwa” and “arigatou gozaimasu.”
