AFP/Doha
Qatar’s organisation and facilities have been given a thumbs by two of Australia’s top stars, handing the country a boost after they were chosen to host the 2022 World Cup.
Australia were one of the nations in the running to hold the world’s biggest sporting event 11 years from now, but they secured just one vote and were eliminated in the first round by FIFA officials in Zurich in December.
It sparked a furious reaction, with Football Federation Australia’s Jack Reilly saying at the time that their bid had fallen victim to FIFA politics and Qatar’s deep pockets. Socceroos captain Lucas Neill was one of those crestfallen at the decision, but after three weeks in Doha at the Asian Cup he has been impressed by what he has seen.
"The tournament’s facilities are top notch and the organisation smooth to date. I am sure they will deliver an amazing World Cup in another 11 years’ time,” said the defender.
"I’ve had the privilege to meet the people associated with the bid now and the dreams and the ideas and plans they have for it. If half of it comes true it’s going to be an amazing place to be.
"They’ve got the infrastructure, they’ve got the financial backing, they can do whatever they want and I’m sure they will and the people will love the football here.” Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has also liked what he has seen.
"What I have been impressed by here, in Qatar, are the facilities,” he said.
"They’ve been outstanding. The training fields, the pitches and stadiums have been top notch, comparable with anything we play on in Europe.
"Also the distances between venues and not having to change hotels have been brilliant.
"For us, it’s worked in our favour and we’ve been made very welcome since we’ve been here and well looked after. It puts a fantastic light on Qatar.”
The tiny but wealthy country has thrown plenty of money at the Asian Cup with the stadiums modern, the organisation excellent and communications working flawlessly. But the fans have been missing and the tournament has lacked atmosphere.
It has also been played in perfect winter conditions, while the World Cup is scheduled for the traditional June/July window when temperatures in Doha can soar to over 50 Celsius.
One of the central components of Qatar’s bid was a bold proposal to build climate-controlled stadia that will enable players and fans to be comfortable in the desert heat.