From Doha
The enthusiasm that selected argentinian here in Qatar it was demonstrated again in another act on public roads, the day before the duel for the quarterfinals against the Netherlands.
The number of Argentines circulating through Doha decreased compared to the first days, but received a boost by a flight of Aerolíneas Argentinas that arrived last Wednesday. The effervescence of the recently arrived moved them to the Souq Waqif area, the place where the sculpture of the golden Thumb, a key point for these events during the tournament.
The number of Argentines was around a thousand, with shirts from Lionel Scaloni’s team, flags and lots of party favors. It is estimated that there will be about 20,000 Argentines in the stadium. The neighborhood receives a large number of people of many nationalities, and the noise of the Argentines was observed with surprise by the tourists, who did not stop film or take pictures of the spectacle that they had to witness.
Souq Waqif was for a long time a open air market for the Bedouins (nomads who historically inhabited the deserts of Arabia and Syria), to bring wool and animals that they traded for the Daily necessities.
The place began to deteriorate over time and was close to being demolished. However, in 2004 it was decided preserve this historic site, so the entire market area has been renovated and restored according to traditional Qatari architectural techniques.
The supporters who came by were amazed by the place, but the only objective was to transmit unconditional support for the Argentine National Team. The so-called banner It was the fifth that was held in Doha, the same number of games that the squad played.
the people of Morón, Paternal, Del Viso, Córdoba, Vicente López and other provinces were present at Souq Waqif, and they did not stop singing and cheering on the team. The one who appeared near the end was Luis Pascual, better known as “El Tula”, accompanied by the bass drum that Juan Domingo gave him Peron.
The public gradually dissipated, and while some chose to get lost in the alleys that the store owns, others decided to move towards Msheireb Downtown, the most central neighborhood of Doha, which is located a few minutes from there.
The goal for the fans was already accomplished. The desire was to convey the affection to the players, who a few minutes before had finished his practice at Qatar University, distant several kilometers from Souq Waqif.
Everyone’s wish was to recommit to be in that place again next Monday, in what would be the prelude to the semifinal the following day. Argentina, if that happens, will play against the winner of the confrontation between Brazil and Croatia. And the appointment for that opportunity already was raised.
