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Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy during the 2022 World Cup trophy presentation in Qatar.Photo: AFP
Residents across the UAE chose different fan zones to watch the exciting final of the FIFA World Cup. The game between Argentina and France ended with unbelievable moments, brilliant goals and a gripping finale.
French fan Mohamed Hazard Ali and his friends watched the match at a cafe in Abu Dhabi. “What a game,” he said. “The atmosphere was fantastic. The first half was boring but from the second half it was a game I wouldn’t miss. I’m disappointed with the result but France fought bravely. I think it’s the best game I’ve ever seen. Good World Cup game.”
The fan area in Abu Dhabi was so overcrowded that organizers needed to add seats to meet the excess demand.
Resident Hassan said: “On the Mother of the Nation Day, there were a lot of people here, and the final was being broadcast live. The atmosphere was exciting.”
“Our seating capacity in the fans area is 300. We have added another 200 seats and we have more traffic than the Boundary Backyard,” said Shain Xavier, food and beverage manager at the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Centre, where the fan area is located. Say. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Dubai real estate agent Abdul Hanan cheers on his favorite player, Leonel Messi, at the Drama Cafe in Oud Metha. “I came alone and wanted to see the best player play calmly. I wanted to see him lift the World Cup from the start of the game,” he said.
“It’s a month of celebration. I’ll be celebrating an epic win with my colleagues and friends. Now the debate among the best players is over. The world knows who’s the GOAT (greatest ever),” Ha Nan added.
Cousins ​​Zahra and Hiba and their extended family – a large group of more than 30 relatives – watched the game at another cousin’s house. “We have fans of all ages supporting different countries,” Zahra said. “It was chaos, but at the end of the day, it brought us together as one family in the same way that sport brings us together across borders.”
Hiba, a die-hard Argentina fan, waited until the end of the game to serve her family cake – chilled in her team colors. “It’s an intense competition,” she said. “But we deserved the final and Qatar deserved it.”
Advocate Praveen Palakeel watched the match at the Sharjah Indian Association. “It was a close game,” he said. “At first, Argentina seemed to be dominating. However, after the second half, it was exciting. Both teams played at their best, but luckily for Argentina. I’m happy because I know it’s Messi’s last One game, he deserves it. I believe it could go down as one of the best finals in World Cup history, maybe even the best game.”
Dubai resident Fazal traveled to Qatar to soak up the atmosphere and watched the game in a cafe. “It was the craziest game I’ve ever seen,” he said. “And I think it’s even more special that I can experience it in Qatar.”
French national Abdel Bendaoud said he couldn’t be more proud of his team. “It was a tense moment,” he said. “They gave everything. I’m glad Mbappe scored three goals. He followed the advice of his friend (Ashraf) Hakimi and never gave up. But it’s a game and there have to be losers. Yet , I’m very proud of my team. They did their best.”
At the BudX Fan Village, fans’ emotions ranged from pure happiness to heartbreak.
Rio Vela, a Dubai resident from Costa Rica, celebrated her favorite team’s victory. “It was the best final ever,” she said. “We can’t even pray for it. Messi and the Argentine team did their best. I think Diego Maradona must be looking down on them and smiling from heaven.”
Argentinian Lisa Rodriguez was ecstatic. “Our stars are aligned,” she said. “Our prayers were answered. All I can say is thank you, God, thank you, King Leo. Thank you, Rosario (the village where Messi grew up), for giving us the great Leo.”
Meanwhile, French expatriate Emma said she was sad but proud of her team. “We came here with so many injuries and missed a lot of key players. We lost Karim Benzema before the World Cup. But we fought with all our might until the end.”
American Essar Filipo was honored to witness the race. “The next generation will remember this game as his (Messi’s game),” she said. “It’s hardly football; it’s Messi’s ball.”
Copyright © 2022 Khaleej Times. all rights reserved. Courtesy of SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndicate Information).
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