The Arab teams competing in the Middle East’s first World Cup against the odds have inspired their supporters, creating a rare sense of hope and unity for fans from the Gulf to the Atlantic.
Saudi Arabia overcame two-time World Cup champions Argentina in the opening shock of the tournament, and Morocco then saw off second-placed Belgium – both matches in the Gulf state of Qatar roared on by huge crowds.
With one match remaining in their groups, both teams are in strong contention to reach the knockout stages of the competition, the first time two Arab nations have reached that level.
The opportunity to make history created a sense of solidarity among Arab supporters in Doha.
Mohammed al-Mansouri came from Spain to watch Morocco beat Belgium 2-0.
“Most of the congratulations…” he began “…were from Saudi!” Saudi fan Faisal al-Waili said he was wrapped in his country’s green flag and ending Mansouri’s sentence.
“When Saudi Arabia plays, I’m Saudi and when Morocco plays, all Arabs…” Mansouri said “…are Moroccans!” Raweli said putting his arm around Mansoori’s shoulder.
Mansouri said it felt like both Morocco and Saudi Arabia were playing on Qatar’s home ground, which would have helped them reach new heights.
“Saudi Arabia played the best match in the history of the Arab world,” he said, speaking at Doha’s Souq al-Waqif market, where fans mingled in shops and restaurants, watching television for match updates. Had.
Although hosts Qatar lost their opening two matches and are already out, fourth-placed Arab team Tunisia can still advance if they overcome France in their final group match on Wednesday. Although the odds may be stacked against them, they will not be without support at the nearly 45,000-capacity Education City Stadium on Doha’s western edge.
“Soccer unites nations. All Arabs and Gulf people support any (Arab) team,” said Saudi supporter Khalid al-Asimi, echoing the tone set by leaders of Qatar and Saudi Arabia at the start of the tournament. .
Tensions between the two neighbors led Saudi Arabia and its allies to impose travel and trade restrictions on Qatar in 2017, a move that was lifted only last year.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, wrapped scarves and each other’s country flags while playing for their respective teams.
Moroccan fan Karim al-Uzzi said the results showed that Arabs “are one nation, and (the World Cup) determines political disadvantage. We are brothers.”