That is a sentence I would nave have expected to read.There’s a big group of Canadians at a Tim Horton’s in the Mall of Qatar.
I hate to say it, but you're going to be inundated with a lot of "new" issues from us casual fans.*I knew the answer was bribery and remember all the FIFA fat cats getting dragged out by law enforcement. I sure am glad I'm in no position to accept bribes because lord knows I wouldn't be above the fray.
What isn't understandable is going through with it. 2015 was a long time ago. The world couldn't come together back then and right a wrong? Why is Qatar being rewarded for their bribery?
I'll watch Oliver and read the Athletic today. As Lord Helmet brilliantly said to Lonestar: "Evil will always triumph because good is dumb".
Qatar was awarded this world cup back in 2010. The finalists were Australia, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, and the United States. Bill Clinton headed up the US bid and reportedly broke a mirror with his fist in the hotel room when Qatar was announced as the winner. Everyone in the world who was remotely following this instantly knew it was a case of bald-faced bribery and corruption because that was old news for us. In 2015 US Attorney General Loretta Lynch took an unprecedented action in indicting several top FIFA officials. It was huge news at the time. There was dramatic video of executives doing perp walks and boxes of documents being loaded into black limos. But Lynch was only in office for 2 years and I honestly have no idea the current status of those prosecutions. In the soccer world, we've been reading about this for over 12 years and I think there is a bit of fatigue with it all now that the event is finally here. The fact of FIFA corruption has always been very open and well-known - and surely was prevalent long before the Qatar selection. Over the past decade, there's been constant talk of removing this World Cup from Qatar and holding it somewhere else, but that has never ever been a realistic possibility. There have been dozens of excellent media exposes and documentaries over this time on the corruption, the scandals, the criminals, the inhumane treatment of migrant workers and the clash of cultures between the international soccer community and sharia law - coming from journalists all over the world. Yes - it seems rediculous to host the world cup in Doha. At the same time, there is a legitimate argument that this World Cup is bridging the gap between the Arab world and the international soccer community. Just this morning, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The sport is growing in the Middle East and part of FIFA's mission is to encourage that growth. From the perspective of a soccer fan, this is all old news to me and I just want to watch the games now.
*Myself, for an example, loves the World Cup and will watch every game but doesn't want a minute of really any other soccer.
pales… great use of the word my very pale friendI hate to say it, but you're going to be inundated with a lot of "new" issues from us casual fans.*I knew the answer was bribery and remember all the FIFA fat cats getting dragged out by law enforcement. I sure am glad I'm in no position to accept bribes because lord knows I wouldn't be above the fray.
What isn't understandable is going through with it. 2015 was a long time ago. The world couldn't come together back then and right a wrong? Why is Qatar being rewarded for their bribery?
I'll watch Oliver and read the Athletic today. As Lord Helmet brilliantly said to Lonestar: "Evil will always triumph because good is dumb".
Qatar was awarded this world cup back in 2010. The finalists were Australia, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, and the United States. Bill Clinton headed up the US bid and reportedly broke a mirror with his fist in the hotel room when Qatar was announced as the winner. Everyone in the world who was remotely following this instantly knew it was a case of bald-faced bribery and corruption because that was old news for us. In 2015 US Attorney General Loretta Lynch took an unprecedented action in indicting several top FIFA officials. It was huge news at the time. There was dramatic video of executives doing perp walks and boxes of documents being loaded into black limos. But Lynch was only in office for 2 years and I honestly have no idea the current status of those prosecutions. In the soccer world, we've been reading about this for over 12 years and I think there is a bit of fatigue with it all now that the event is finally here. The fact of FIFA corruption has always been very open and well-known - and surely was prevalent long before the Qatar selection. Over the past decade, there's been constant talk of removing this World Cup from Qatar and holding it somewhere else, but that has never ever been a realistic possibility. There have been dozens of excellent media exposes and documentaries over this time on the corruption, the scandals, the criminals, the inhumane treatment of migrant workers and the clash of cultures between the international soccer community and sharia law - coming from journalists all over the world. Yes - it seems rediculous to host the world cup in Doha. At the same time, there is a legitimate argument that this World Cup is bridging the gap between the Arab world and the international soccer community. Just this morning, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The sport is growing in the Middle East and part of FIFA's mission is to encourage that growth. From the perspective of a soccer fan, this is all old news to me and I just want to watch the games now.
*Myself, for an example, loves the World Cup and will watch every game but doesn't want a minute of really any other soccer.
And, I appreciate the patience and grace shown by guys like CM who DO know their stuff and explain in a way that's easy to understand for the casual fan. I'm with you, I love WC soccer, but I watch far more women's soccer then men's on a professional level and even then, that pales in comparison to my consumption of other sports. But, like you, I geek out over WC soccer.
End to end on the metro is about 45 minutes. Also a couple trams connecting more of the city. Very good system.@Zigg how close are all the stadiums to each other, either via walking or metro or whatever transportation you are using?
While this is a disastrous place to have a World Cup, the proximity of all the stadiums to each other does make it seem like it would be really cool.
I’m watching a game in every stadium, and it seems all are very easy to get to. There is a shuttle from each stadium to the metro.
Doha is a very nice city. I’m enjoying myself here. Went to the waterfront yesterday and it’s lovely. Not sure if I’d return, but wouldn’t mind a couple days here without the World Cup.
That said, it seems they largely overestimated how many people would be here. The fan festival was empty while I was there(left 15 minutes before Arg/Sa started). While the metro has winding barricades to slow non existing crowds of people. A little annoying.
Going to Can/Bel today and really looking forward to it. I’ll report on the game experience here.
pales… great use of the word my very pale friendI hate to say it, but you're going to be inundated with a lot of "new" issues from us casual fans.*I knew the answer was bribery and remember all the FIFA fat cats getting dragged out by law enforcement. I sure am glad I'm in no position to accept bribes because lord knows I wouldn't be above the fray.
What isn't understandable is going through with it. 2015 was a long time ago. The world couldn't come together back then and right a wrong? Why is Qatar being rewarded for their bribery?
I'll watch Oliver and read the Athletic today. As Lord Helmet brilliantly said to Lonestar: "Evil will always triumph because good is dumb".
Qatar was awarded this world cup back in 2010. The finalists were Australia, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, and the United States. Bill Clinton headed up the US bid and reportedly broke a mirror with his fist in the hotel room when Qatar was announced as the winner. Everyone in the world who was remotely following this instantly knew it was a case of bald-faced bribery and corruption because that was old news for us. In 2015 US Attorney General Loretta Lynch took an unprecedented action in indicting several top FIFA officials. It was huge news at the time. There was dramatic video of executives doing perp walks and boxes of documents being loaded into black limos. But Lynch was only in office for 2 years and I honestly have no idea the current status of those prosecutions. In the soccer world, we've been reading about this for over 12 years and I think there is a bit of fatigue with it all now that the event is finally here. The fact of FIFA corruption has always been very open and well-known - and surely was prevalent long before the Qatar selection. Over the past decade, there's been constant talk of removing this World Cup from Qatar and holding it somewhere else, but that has never ever been a realistic possibility. There have been dozens of excellent media exposes and documentaries over this time on the corruption, the scandals, the criminals, the inhumane treatment of migrant workers and the clash of cultures between the international soccer community and sharia law - coming from journalists all over the world. Yes - it seems rediculous to host the world cup in Doha. At the same time, there is a legitimate argument that this World Cup is bridging the gap between the Arab world and the international soccer community. Just this morning, Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. The sport is growing in the Middle East and part of FIFA's mission is to encourage that growth. From the perspective of a soccer fan, this is all old news to me and I just want to watch the games now.
*Myself, for an example, loves the World Cup and will watch every game but doesn't want a minute of really any other soccer.
And, I appreciate the patience and grace shown by guys like CM who DO know their stuff and explain in a way that's easy to understand for the casual fan. I'm with you, I love WC soccer, but I watch far more women's soccer then men's on a professional level and even then, that pales in comparison to my consumption of other sports. But, like you, I geek out over WC soccer.
I was told "cutter".Anyone ever figure out how it's pronounced?
Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own.
Despite the result, i had a great time at the game. The stadium is fantastic, and my seats were excellent(last time). Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own. Also thought Buchanan was the best player on the field.
Finally found some Qatari food. It’s normal Middle East food. I had roasted chicken with olives, dates and capers on rice. It was delicious. Will hit that place up several times. Cost about $20US for a decent portion plus drink.End to end on the metro is about 45 minutes. Also a couple trams connecting more of the city. Very good system.@Zigg how close are all the stadiums to each other, either via walking or metro or whatever transportation you are using?
While this is a disastrous place to have a World Cup, the proximity of all the stadiums to each other does make it seem like it would be really cool.
I’m watching a game in every stadium, and it seems all are very easy to get to. There is a shuttle from each stadium to the metro.
Doha is a very nice city. I’m enjoying myself here. Went to the waterfront yesterday and it’s lovely. Not sure if I’d return, but wouldn’t mind a couple days here without the World Cup.
That said, it seems they largely overestimated how many people would be here. The fan festival was empty while I was there(left 15 minutes before Arg/Sa started). While the metro has winding barricades to slow non existing crowds of people. A little annoying.
Going to Can/Bel today and really looking forward to it. I’ll report on the game experience here.
What's the food like? In the stadium and in general? I know nothing about Qatari culture. I do know they are a major producer of helium, which is a buzz worthy gas at the moment.
How do we feel about Buchanan? I’ll read the that thread tomorrow.Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own.
you’re not wrong
How do we feel about Buchanan? I’ll read the that thread tomorrow.Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own.
you’re not wrong
Going to SK/Uruguay!!!
He played well. He pressed their backline pretty hard and created a couple of chances, but he snatched at the few attempts he saw. Would've liked to see him have a little more composure there.How do we feel about Buchanan? I’ll read the that thread tomorrow.Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own.
you’re not wrong
Going to SK/Uruguay!!!
“Epidemiologic data from Qatar showed the occurrence of 28 cases of MERS (incidence of 1.7 per 1,000,000 population) and most cases had a history of contact with camels. Thus, people with greater risk of developing severe disease are advised to avoid contact with dromedary camels, drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked,” the study authors write.
Pretty noticeable on TV that a lot of the club level seats remain empty.The seat fillers are absolutely a thing. The thing that pisses me off the most, are the fillers, the empty seats, and real fans are still at the back having paid for top tier seats.
I heard the ones without filters are the most harmful.PSA - Steer clear of Camels while in Qatar
“Epidemiologic data from Qatar showed the occurrence of 28 cases of MERS (incidence of 1.7 per 1,000,000 population) and most cases had a history of contact with camels. Thus, people with greater risk of developing severe disease are advised to avoid contact with dromedary camels, drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked,” the study authors write.
Despite the result, i had a great time at the game. The stadium is fantastic, and my seats were excellent(last time). Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own. Also thought Buchanan was the best player on the field.
DeBruyne was underwhelming. He had loads of space several times and did little with it. Scared the crap out of me too often.
The seat fillers are absolutely a thing. The thing that pisses me off the most, are the fillers, the empty seats, and real fans are still at the back having paid for top tier seats.
The logistics are solid. Got out quite quick.
Taj was amazing in qualifying... providing a ton of pressure on both sides of the ball- and finishing almost everything that came to him. he did all of the same stuff- except the finishing, which was disappointing for such a quality guy.How do we feel about Buchanan? I’ll read the that thread tomorrow.Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own.
you’re not wrong
Canada was the most impressive team in the first set of games.Despite the result, i had a great time at the game. The stadium is fantastic, and my seats were excellent(last time). Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own. Also thought Buchanan was the best player on the field.
DeBruyne was underwhelming. He had loads of space several times and did little with it. Scared the crap out of me too often.
The seat fillers are absolutely a thing. The thing that pisses me off the most, are the fillers, the empty seats, and real fans are still at the back having paid for top tier seats.
The logistics are solid. Got out quite quick.
Canada was the most impressive team in the first set of games.Despite the result, i had a great time at the game. The stadium is fantastic, and my seats were excellent(last time). Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own. Also thought Buchanan was the best player on the field.
DeBruyne was underwhelming. He had loads of space several times and did little with it. Scared the crap out of me too often.
The seat fillers are absolutely a thing. The thing that pisses me off the most, are the fillers, the empty seats, and real fans are still at the back having paid for top tier seats.
The logistics are solid. Got out quite quick.
Shake Shack in Qatar and yet we only have one in Minnesota.
In 1980, Qatar was the fourth most obese nation in the world. A recent report conducted in 2013 concluded that Qatar ranks fifth globally in terms of obesity rates. The same report revealed that 22.1% of girls under 20 and 33.5% of boys under 20 are classified as obese.[7]
I didn’t notice it being any warmer. If you’re referring specifically to the time of the American game, nights have been very mild here. Obviously can’t speak for field level, but can’t see why it would be significantly hotter.@Zigg How was the weather today? The commentators mentioned today being a bit hotter than other days have been. I'm curious about what a "bit hotter" means in the Middle East.
Humidity, sunlight and wind. The first two make it seem hotter, while the third makes any given temp feel cooler.I didn’t notice it being any warmer. If you’re referring specifically to the time of the American game, nights have been very mild here. Obviously can’t speak for field level, but can’t see why it would be significantly hotter.@Zigg How was the weather today? The commentators mentioned today being a bit hotter than other days have been. I'm curious about what a "bit hotter" means in the Middle East.
What I find very weird here, is that it will be 29C in the afternoon Sun and feel pretty hot, but then night will be cool and very comfortable while still being 25-26C.
Is there a reason it will feel so different, but the actual temperature is very similar?
Uh, Spain crushed CR into dust.Canada was the most impressive team in the first set of games.Despite the result, i had a great time at the game. The stadium is fantastic, and my seats were excellent(last time). Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own. Also thought Buchanan was the best player on the field.
DeBruyne was underwhelming. He had loads of space several times and did little with it. Scared the crap out of me too often.
The seat fillers are absolutely a thing. The thing that pisses me off the most, are the fillers, the empty seats, and real fans are still at the back having paid for top tier seats.
The logistics are solid. Got out quite quick.
Let’s not go overboard here. They played really well but lost. France, England and even Japan get the nod over the Canucks.
Gotta love the "Similar Threads" listed for this thread.
@Zigg have you been to any of the fan zones for games where you didn’t have tickets? I’m curious about whether the rowdiness factor has been massively dialed down or if reports just aren’t getting out. For example, I’ve heard zero reports thus far about England fans that you always hear at every World Cup, so I have to imagine the Qatari policies could be having a big impact.
@Zigg have you been to any of the fan zones for games where you didn’t have tickets? I’m curious about whether the rowdiness factor has been massively dialed down or if reports just aren’t getting out. For example, I’ve heard zero reports thus far about England fans that you always hear at every World Cup, so I have to imagine the Qatari policies could be having a big impact.
Wales and English fans got into it, not in Qatar but in Tenerife
I didn’t notice it being any warmer. If you’re referring specifically to the time of the American game, nights have been very mild here. Obviously can’t speak for field level, but can’t see why it would be significantly hotter.@Zigg How was the weather today? The commentators mentioned today being a bit hotter than other days have been. I'm curious about what a "bit hotter" means in the Middle East.
What I find very weird here, is that it will be 29C in the afternoon Sun and feel pretty hot, but then night will be cool and very comfortable while still being 25-26C.
Is there a reason it will feel so different, but the actual temperature is very similar?
@Zigg have you been to any of the fan zones for games where you didn’t have tickets? I’m curious about whether the rowdiness factor has been massively dialed down or if reports just aren’t getting out. For example, I’ve heard zero reports thus far about England fans that you always hear at every World Cup, so I have to imagine the Qatari policies could be having a big impact.
Wales and English fans got into it, not in Qatar but in Tenerife
Exactly. So this would be an interesting contrast to what might be happening in Qatar. Any other place on the planet and ENG-WAL match might be a complete debacle.
Maybe in Qatar it won’t be really
Just public floggings if they are lucky.@Zigg have you been to any of the fan zones for games where you didn’t have tickets? I’m curious about whether the rowdiness factor has been massively dialed down or if reports just aren’t getting out. For example, I’ve heard zero reports thus far about England fans that you always hear at every World Cup, so I have to imagine the Qatari policies could be having a big impact.
Wales and English fans got into it, not in Qatar but in Tenerife
Exactly. So this would be an interesting contrast to what might be happening in Qatar. Any other place on the planet and ENG-WAL match might be a complete debacle.
Maybe in Qatar it won’t be really
I have no idea but my guess is the location and the likely serious nature of getting arrested did not attract the type of folks who wish to smash beers mugs over each other domes.
Also compare being in the sun vs shade on a hot day mostly anywhereI didn’t notice it being any warmer. If you’re referring specifically to the time of the American game, nights have been very mild here. Obviously can’t speak for field level, but can’t see why it would be significantly hotter.@Zigg How was the weather today? The commentators mentioned today being a bit hotter than other days have been. I'm curious about what a "bit hotter" means in the Middle East.
What I find very weird here, is that it will be 29C in the afternoon Sun and feel pretty hot, but then night will be cool and very comfortable while still being 25-26C.
Is there a reason it will feel so different, but the actual temperature is very similar?
Because Fahrenheit is better for this sort of thing 77 degrees F definitely is different from 84 degrees F and Fahrenheit reflects that well. Anyway speaking of F let us know if any Croatia fans hassle you about your coach's "F" comment . And Go Canada!!!
-QG
Uh, Spain crushed CR into dust.Canada was the most impressive team in the first set of games.Despite the result, i had a great time at the game. The stadium is fantastic, and my seats were excellent(last time). Someone tell me if I’m wrong, but I thought Canada definitely held their own. Also thought Buchanan was the best player on the field.
DeBruyne was underwhelming. He had loads of space several times and did little with it. Scared the crap out of me too often.
The seat fillers are absolutely a thing. The thing that pisses me off the most, are the fillers, the empty seats, and real fans are still at the back having paid for top tier seats.
The logistics are solid. Got out quite quick.
Let’s not go overboard here. They played really well but lost. France, England and even Japan get the nod over the Canucks.
The atmosphere here is garbage. Maybe 200 Danes at the match yesterday. People in my little village quietly watch the match on the big screen.@Zigg have you been to any of the fan zones for games where you didn’t have tickets? I’m curious about whether the rowdiness factor has been massively dialed down or if reports just aren’t getting out. For example, I’ve heard zero reports thus far about England fans that you always hear at every World Cup, so I have to imagine the Qatari policies could be having a big impact.