Qatar take on Ecuador to launch 2022 World Cup
rfi.frthe world rankings, will be playing their first tie at the World Cup which is being held in the Middle East for the first time.On Friday, Qatar face Senegal and on 29 November for their final Group A match they take on the Netherlands.“We’ll be playing against teams who have a lot of players who are the best in the world in their position," said Qatar coach Felix Sanchez."There will be players who have World Cup and Champions League experience."I’m not saying we’re going to win the World Cup, but we will put in a performance of the highest level."Qatar - nicknamed al Annabi - enter their tournament not only with the pressure of hosts but also with the burden of trying to switch attention away from the off-field debates that have dogged its organisation since world football's governing body Fifa awarded the country hosting rights in 2010.Qatari authorities have come under fire for their attitudes towards the plight of the thousands of migrant workers involved in the construction of the World Cup projects.There has been criticism too of its treatment of the LGBT+ communities.And on the eve of the tournament, organisers courted even more controversy by banning the sale of alcohol around the eight venues for the matches."Following discussions between the host country authorities and Fifa, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the Fifa Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues," Fifa said.The British based Football Supporters Association, which campaigns for fans on issues such as cheaper ticket prices and better behaviour at grounds, questioned the timing of the move."Some fans like a beer at the match, and some don’t," said an FSA statement."But the real issue is the last minute.
