Argentina's embassy in Doha reported that between 35,000 and 40,000 Argentinians travelled to Qatar in hopes of seeing their team lift the coveted trophy after 36 years, according to AFP news agency.
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — From a soccer-crazed country known for its world-class players and its repeated economic crises, Argentine fans are making great sacrifices to be in Qatar to see their team try to win the World Cup for the first time in 36 years.
According to the Argentinian embassy in Doha, at least 35,000 Albiceleste fans have made the long journey to Qatar. While some left after the first few matches, most stayed to rally around their team in the knockout stages.
LUSAIL, Qatar — Saudi Arabia scored one of the biggest World Cup upsets ever by beating Lionel Messi's Argentina 2-1 on Tuesday.
Messi and Argentina pockets $42 million.
FIFA had budgeted a total prize money of $440 million for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. In it, the eventual winner, Argentina, pocketed $42 million, $12 million more than France, which cashed out $30 million.
The national teams of Argentina and Uruguay have each taken 2,000 pounds of meat (900 kilos) with them to the World Cup so players and staff can have a taste of home during the tournament in Qatar.
Petroleum and natural gas are the cornerstones of Qatar's economy and account for more than 70% of total government revenue, more than 60% of gross domestic product, and roughly 85% of export earnings. Qatar has the world's third largest proven natural gas reserve and is the second-largest exporter of natural gas.
Some media outlets, sporting experts, and human rights groups have criticised Qatar's record of human rights violations; Qatar's limited football history; the high expected cost; the local climate; and alleged bribery in the bidding process. Not all nations competing have put focus on concerns.
Argentina should have been able to deal with KSA's tactic. They're not the first team ever to play a high line, but the Argentines appeared to be in such a hurry to turn this into a blowout they failed to hold their runs and create legal scoring opportunities. They wound up being called 10 times for offside.
The expression of Argentinian enthusiasm witnessed at the World Cup can be traced back to the undying attachment to local football clubs in Argentina, Jessica Costa from Buenos Aires said. “On Sundays, some people go to church, while others go to the stadiums,” said the 28-year-old, who is studying Arabic in Doha.
Buenos Aires
No wonder it is often called “the Paris of Latin America.” There are an estimated 60,000 expats living in Argentina, and about half live in this dynamic city on the shores of the Rio de la Plata. The city has much to offer an expat.
Indians constitute the largest group of expats in Qatar. Though Arabic is the official language of Qatar, English is well spoken and understood nationwide. English is considered as the second language in the country.
Elche CF is the club with the most Argentinean representation in its squad, with six players. Argentine football in Spain has been key for both countries.
The rate of Argentine emigration to Europe (especially to Spain and Italy) peaked in the late 1970s and early 1980s and is noteworthy. Spain and Italy have the largest Argentine communities in Europe, however, there are also important communities in France, the United Kingdom and Germany.
An estimated 185,000 Argentines emigrated between 1960 and 1970, and the number climbed to an estimated 200,000 in the decade that followed. Primary destinations of the highly skilled included the United States and Spain, although other Western European countries and Mexico and Venezuela were also destinations.
The most desired destinations of those polled were Spain and Italy. The large numbers of Argentines who wish to move abroad are mainly motivated by the country's recent economic, political, and social instability, say analysts.
LUSAIL, Qatar — Saudi Arabia's defeat of Argentina at the World Cup on Tuesday was the sort of upset almost nobody in global soccer had seen coming, an outcome that ranks as one of the greatest shocks in the tournament's 92-year history.
Argentina is currently at +500 odds on FOX Bet to win the World Cup, the second-favorite out of the 32 qualifying teams. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is 3-11-2 all-time in the World Cup.
The Saudis effectively used Argentina's main strength against them. The South American side is known for its aggressive offensive play, with players adept at piercing through the back line with quick passes. By pushing up the pitch, Saudi Arabia was taking a risk, leaving themselves somewhat vulnerable.
Today, Qatar has the world's third-largest proven natural gas reserve, after Russia and Iran, and is the second-largest exporter of natural gas. Oil and natural gas account for more than 70% of total government revenue, more than 60% of gross domestic product, and roughly 85% of export earnings.
Some celebrities have boycotted the World Cup because of Qatar's poor human rights record. But even more agreed to appear — possibly because of indifference to the controversy, or because of a generous paycheque, or because they see an opportunity to make a difference.
With a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.855, Qatar counts as one of the high developed economies by UN definition. With an average annual income of 70,500 USD Qatar is one of the high-income countries. Even considering purchasing power parity, it is still among the 10 richest countries in the world.
Qatar has been named the fourth richest country globally. Also, it is the first-ever Arab nation to be among the top four wealthiest nations. The latest report from Global Finance ranks other Arab countries, like the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, positioned after Qatar.
Qatar has the ninth-highest average annual salary in the world, according to new research. San Francisco-based jobs platform Lensa said Qatar's average annual income for 2021 stood at $57,120 and average weekly income at $4,760.
The House of Thani, who banned alcohol at the World Cup, splurges on a VIP airline, yachts and even football club Paris Saint-Germain.