Football: The press comments on the launch of the World Cup – Football

“The low point was already reached before the first game kicked off.”

After an impressive display at the Wüsten Stadium, World Cup hosts Qatar lost their opening match 2-0 to Ecuador. Even before the final whistle, the spectators were empty.

The world press issued a devastating verdict!

Spain

Marca: “With money they have done a great job, but it is not how well they play football. (…) It is almost impossible in elite football without talent. And if there was any doubt about that, the World Cup, the most demanding and exciting sporting competition in the world , took three minutes to take that into account.”

El Pais: “The Emir of Qatar opens the championship and celebrates diversity in a box where there are almost no women,” he added.

France

L’Equipe: “Qatar really doesn’t have the level to play a role in the World Cup and a large part of their fans didn’t come back in the second half. Crazy opening.”

“Le Figaro”: “One thing is for sure, Qatar did not impress in that opening match. (…) An opening match that, in general, will not go down in history, was played at a slow pace, with few chances and little spectacle.”

Austria

“Kronen Zeitung” [zu Infantinos Aussage, er habe Diskriminierung wegen seiner roten Haare erlebt]A mockery of oppressed minorities and oppressed women. Inappropriate and self-important. (…) For a number of Qatar’s critics, one thing is certain: the low point was already reached before the first match kicked off.”

Great Britain

Daily Mirror: Enner Valencia shone brighter than the opening ceremony light show as Ecuador beat hosts Qatar in the first match. (…) Qatar must show something very special in the next two matches in order to have a chance to advance in the World Cup on home soil.”

“telegraph”: “Qatar provides an excellent example of sportswashing at its opening ceremony. (…) In the end, this ceremony was a showcase for the unique encounter between a corrupt, money-obsessed organization and a system with a medieval approach to civil rights and job security.”

“Guardians”: It was a disappointment for Qatar after twelve years of preparation. The host country has spent this time building a World Cup infrastructure shrouded in controversy and filled with a bitter aftertaste that will likely not go away whatever the next four weeks may be.”

Italia

La Repubblica: When the announcer proudly announces to the 67,000 spectators in the stands of Al Bayt Stadium, many have long left. Already in the first half. Qatar starts very badly as a host in the World Cup, the first in its history: a match that did not take place, summed it up in the face of the Qatari coach, Spaniard Felix Sanchez Pas, who covered him with his hand after Ener Valencia’s second goal. . “