By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

 

A large crowd waits with bated breath in the heart of Doha as a promising move is made on the field in faraway Brazil. Moments later, as the ball hits the back of the net, the gathering lets out a collective roar. Souq Waqif has just witnessed yet another electrifying moment.

Live screening of the 2014 FIFA World Cup matches on a giant screen in the bustling souq has given ordinary residents the opportunity to enjoy the games in large numbers and without having to shell out a premium.

While only guests and customers can enjoy screenings at some of the country’s premier hotels, public venues such as Souq Waqif are open to everyone. As a result, people of different ages, nationalities and socio-economic status can enjoy the matches for free.

Scores of spectators could be seen sitting side by side near the vast parking area of the souq, thanks to the generosity of the management. They come from not only the city’s neighbourhoods but also far-flung areas to “have a closer look” at the keenly contested matches.

“I have been watching matches from Day One and as each day passes, one can easily see that the number of spectators has increased compared to the previous night,” said soccer-crazy Ajeer, a young Asian, who walks down to Souq Waqif from his accommodation in Umm Ghuwaliana.

“I have a cable connection in my room but love watching matches in the middle of a huge and cheering crowd here at Souq Waqif,” he added.

Football fans can be seen flocking to the place mostly after 9pm when the weather improves.

“As parking is a big issue in the entire area, we do car-pooling to reach the place,” said a bachelor who works in an electrical shop in Najma. He added that people would also love to have such facilities in places like Najma and Mansoura.

The souq management is expecting a larger turnout of spectators on weekends. Matches played on weekends drew bigger crowds four years ago, when Souq Waqif organised a similar screening of World Cup games.

Going by what one sees at the souq this time, it can be said that the level of enthusiasm among visitors to Souq Waqif has only grown since 2010, when the World Cup was played in South Africa.