Hundreds of fans in great euphoria received the Portuguese soccer team this Saturday, upon the arrival of the ‘quinas’ team at the hotel unit where they will stay during the 2022 World Cup, in Al-Shahaniya, on the outskirts of Doha.
It was 00:06 local time (21:06 in Lisbon) when the bus of the Portuguese delegation appeared in the field of vision of a crowd of more than 500 fans, almost entirely local, eager to see the Portuguese players – Even if it was only for a few seconds.
Several of them were strictly equipped, with Portuguese shirts, Portuguese flags and even a considerable size poster stood out among the euphoric fans, with the phrase “Qatar is a very welcoming country”. [o Qatar é um país muito acolhedor]🇧🇷
The apparatus was such that the authorities had to reinforce the contingent at the entrance of the hotel, where some 100 policemen joined to form a security cordon when the bus passed.
Cristiano Ronaldo was, once again, the most popular name among the fans present, for whom the captain of the team is more than just a player.
“Ronaldo, Ronaldo. Who is God? [quem é Deus]🇧🇷 CR7”, was heard in the crowd.
The Portuguese language, always present in the ‘four corners’ of the world, was also represented in the reception of the selection and not even the long hours of waiting discouraged those who wanted to take a look at the compatriots who will represent Portugal. on the lawns of Qatar.
“We have been here for three hours. Our expectation was different, that we would be able to see the players get off the bus, but, with this security apparatus, it becomes difficult. There is a very large community of fans and it is very difficult”. to control this crowd,” Miguel Pereira told the Lusa news agency.
Born in Lisbon, the Portuguese immigrant in Qatar, who was accompanied by his wife and a young daughter, confessed that he will watch Portugal’s three games live and the fourth, if the Portuguese team qualifies for the round of 16.
“We saw Euro 2016, where expectations were perhaps not so high, and we came out champions. It is maintaining the illusion, believing in the team and that the coach makes the best decisions. Then, it is to try to reach the semifinals. final. final or final, find a great team there and win the world title. It was good for Cristiano [Ronaldo] It was good,” he said.
The Portuguese team will carry out its first training session in Qatar this Saturday, continuing its preparation for its debut in Group H of the World Cup, on November 24, against Ghana, at the 974 Stadium, in Doha.
It will be followed by duels with Uruguay, on November 28, at the Lusail Stadium, and with Paulo Bento’s South Korea, on December 2, at the Ciudad Educación Stadium.
The 22nd edition of the World Cup starts on Sunday, with the duel between the host Qatar and Ecuador, for group A, and ends on December 18.
Source: TSF
