Fans of Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Tunisia are upbeat even though their national teams did not make it to the second round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Some of the fans have decided to stay in Doha while enjoying and exploring the country while some left Doha on Thursday. Some fans are planning to go home in the coming days.
“I am glad that our team performed well while making efforts to enter the second stage. Unfortunately, this is not our turn,” Mexican fan Jorge told Gulf Times. He left for Mexico Friday.
Mexico and Saudi Arabia are among the countries that recorded high demand for the World Cup while Tunisia's match in the Education City Stadium on Wednesday witnessed thousands of fans cheering in red. Tunisia defeated France 1-0 but the victory wasn’t enough to help the team enter the second round. Mexico beat Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on Wednesday but both countries failed to make it to the last 16.
“We supported and cheered for our team and we will continue to do it. We are glad and proud that Saudi Arabia shined in the World Cup by defeating Argentina. We got enough reason to cheer up,” said one of the Saudi fans.
Another fan Mohamed al-Ghanim said that they would have stayed some more days in Doha if Saudi Arabia made it to the second round.
“Mexican fans believe that the team will bounce back soon. The next World Cup is coming home and our team will leave its mark through stunning performance,” said another Mexican fan Armando Castro.
Some of the Mexican and Tunisian fans have decided to visit neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman and Bahrain.
A group of Mexican fans on their way to Hamad International Airport. PICTURES: Shafeeq Alingal
Two Saudi Fans