FIFA World Cup excitement returns to Qatar's Souq Waqif in Asia Cup final | AFC Asian Cup News

Doha, Qatar – On a Friday night, Souq Waqif (Qatar's old-style multipurpose market, which is also the country's central tourist attraction) is filled with people from all walks of life, dozens of different nationalities, and a variety of interests, creating a unique atmosphere of color and noise. You can enjoy various combinations.

But excitement reaches a fever pitch when a country hosts a soccer tournament, whether it's the world's biggest sporting event like the FIFA World Cup or a regional championship.

On the eve of the final of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup 2023, Doha's famous market became a parade ground for football fans from both teams competing for continental honors in Saturday's final at Lusail Stadium. .

Avid supporters of An Nashama (the Gentlemen, as Jordan's football team is affectionately known) gathered in a large circle to sing traditional songs and dance to the beat of their own tunes.

“They say the team is like Agyal.” [a traditional black cord that is worn by men in the Middle East as part of their headdress] Jordan fan Waed Dolat, who was watching from afar, told Al Jazeera.

Doraat and her three children, Mahmoud, Ahmed and Taiba, traveled to Qatar to cheer on the team as they aim to win a historic first Asian Cup.

The fact that Jordan would play against Qatar in the final brought excitement and relief to the Draat family.

“We came here with high expectations that the team would win, but even if we don't win, we won't be terribly disappointed because we also like Qatar,” she said.

As if on cue, the crowd turned their attention to their opponent.

“It's better to have family and friends.” [in the final] “In place of a stranger,” the men sang.

Mahmoud, 10, was worried that playing in front of tens of thousands of Qatari supporters would overwhelm his team.

“I hope they don't feel any pressure and I hope the referees are fair,” he quipped.

For Qatari fans, the final will bring back memories from four years ago when they defied all odds to lift their first Asian Cup trophy in the UAE.

“I started following this team after winning the Asian Cup in 2019,” Abdullah Qahtani told Al Jazeera, as the Jordanians flitted from one end of Souq Waqif to the other.

Qahtani praised Qatar's new coach Marques López and his players for turning their fortunes around after a disastrous defeat at their home World Cup over a year ago.

“Al Ananabi will win tonight and we will be driving around Qatar from Lusail to Katara to Souq Waqif to celebrate,” he said.

While younger generations will be taking to the streets, older fans will be watching from the comfort of their homes.

Special arrangements are made in the majlis of every household in Qatar. A majlis is an area within a house, or in a separate building adjacent to a house, used for all kinds of gatherings, from everyday relaxation to more important events by the men of the family.

Large screens give way to smaller screens, a variety of snacks and hot drinks are served, and close-knit groups of friends and family are served.

If Qatar wins, the celebrations will continue into the early hours of the morning.

Despite being the home team, Al Ananavi have to endure the noise of thousands of An Nashama fans who live in Qatar or come from all over the world to watch the match in Lusail. right.

Mohammed and Yazidi al-Shobaki traveled 600 kilometers (372 miles) from Riyadh to cheer on the young people who have brought them “immeasurable joy.”

“The team has special talent and when you combine that with their will to fight on the pitch to bring joy to the Jordanian people, they are champions in our eyes,” Mohammed said.

The brothers don't have tickets to the final, but came to Doha anyway to get a feel for the atmosphere.

“We heard that the parade of champions will be held in Lusail, so we will go there. We will wait for the boys to come out of the stadium as champions of Asia,” Yazidi said.