Clearly an underdog at the FIFA World Cup, Qatar has made unwanted records which includes becoming the first host ever to lose the global tournament opener and also the first host to become the first nation to be eliminated.
Playing at the World Cup for the first time, moreover on home soil, Qataris owe their national football team unwavering support…especially when in difficult situations.
Qatar fans walk out against Ecuador
Overcome by high expectations, a nervy Qatar national team crumbled to pressure in the World Cup opener against Ecuador gifting the South Americans a precious 2-0 win over Qatar. The fans turned their backs on them, walking out in hundreds at half time and did not return!
Prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, no host nation had ever lost the World Cup opening match and thus odds were in favour of the Qatari to start the much-anticipated campaign, and its first ever World Cup match on the right step forward.
However, Ecuador punished the hosts’ weak backline with Enner Valencia bagging a brace in the first half to seal the tie 2-0 at the Al Bayt Stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the second group match, Qatar faced African champions Senegal who also lost their World Cup opener to the Netherlands.
Senegal went on to win 3-1 which eliminated Qatar from the tournament.
However, in these difficult situations, Qataris failed to rally behind their national team. Hundreds of fans were spotted walking out of the stadiums in both matches instead of creating an intense intimidating atmosphere to give the national team a morale boost.
With a deflated home crowd, Qatar, an inexperienced team coming up against well experienced teams stood no chance. The lack of belief and courage in the national team thus gives the team no further morale to fight. The sparks of brilliance in the team have failed to fly for the engine that ignites is unreliable.
Qatar fans don’t deserve the joy of a World Cup win! Hard luck host nation!
