The Peninsula
Hosts Qatar will not be the only side to receive an overwhelming support from fans at the upcoming World Cup. Three more Arab teams – Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Morocco are also expected to enjoy home-like atmosphere during the tournament – the first-ever football showpiece in the Arab world.
Coaches of the four sides are targeting a memorable performance to delight their fans, who are expected to turn out in numbers during their matches.
Reigning Asian champions Qatar, who will make their World Cup debut at home, are eyeing a strong show in their maiden appearance.
Felix Sanchez-coached Al Annabi have gone extensive preparations in training camps in Spain and Austria since June. They are currently in Marbella, Spain to give final touches to their preparation and are scheduled to return next week.
Qatar will open the World Cup with their Group A match against Ecuador on November 20 at Al Bayt Stadium before meeting African champions Senegal and the Netherlands.
“We are preparing every day, trying to bring constant improvement. Hopefully, we’re going to be at our best level for 20 November,” Sanchez said in Doha recently.
“The fans cheers will also help Qatar during the World Cup as it will push the players to give their best,” he added.
With Saudi Arabian fans being among top buyers of the World Cup tickets, the Falcons are also aiming for their best-ever performance in the tournament.
The Herve Renard-coached side is in Group C, which includes Argentina, Mexico and Poland, with their first match scheduled against Lionel Messi’s team on November 22 at Lusail Stadium.
Qatar 2022 is Saudi Arabia’s sixth participation at the World Cup and reaching Round of 16 on their debut at USA 1994 remains their best outing.
“Saudi is home to some of the best clubs in Asia, and it’s now time to restore the national team to its former glory and reach the round of 16 of a World Cup again,” Renard told FIFA+.
“The last time we achieved that was in the ‘90s, so that’s our goal in the coming years and World Cups. I don’t know how long I’ll occupy this role, but you should always set ambitious goals and do everything you can to achieve them,” he added.
Placed in Group D with defending champions France, Australia and Denmark, Tunisia are hoping to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their sixth World Cup appearance.
The Eagles of Carthage famously defeated Mexico on their debut in 1978, becoming the first African team to claim victory at a World Cup.
For Tunisia coach Jalel Kadri, no outcome will satisfy him other than reaching the knockout stage.
“It’s my personal ambition. If we don’t get through, I will not have succeeded in my mission, despite how tough the task is,” Kadri said.
“We want to make our dream come true and get through to the knockout round at the sixth time of asking.”
Tunisia will play Denmark in their first group match on November 22 at Education City Stadium.
Meanwhile, Morocco, who made their World Cup return after 20 years at Russia 2018, are also making their sixth World Cup outing in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions became the first African side to reach Round of 16 after winning the group which also contained England, Poland and Portugal at Mexico 1986.
In Qatar, they will be up against Belgium, Canada and Croatia in Group F, with their opening match scheduled against Croatia on November 23 at Al Bayt Stadium.
“I know that preparation for the World Cup was short ... We will fight to make the Moroccan fans happy,” coach Walid Regragui, who replaced Vahid Halilhodzic, said after his appointment in September.