Deprecated: Optional parameter $page_id declared before required parameter $update_data is implicitly treated as a required parameter in /home/jecando/domains/goodforfans.com/old-news/assets/includes/functions_two.php on line 1752

Deprecated: Optional parameter $post_id declared before required parameter $update_data is implicitly treated as a required parameter in /home/jecando/domains/goodforfans.com/old-news/assets/includes/functions_two.php on line 1795

Deprecated: Optional parameter $group_id declared before required parameter $update_data is implicitly treated as a required parameter in /home/jecando/domains/goodforfans.com/old-news/assets/includes/functions_two.php on line 2442

Deprecated: Optional parameter $lang declared before required parameter $langs is implicitly treated as a required parameter in /home/jecando/domains/goodforfans.com/old-news/assets/includes/functions_two.php on line 5653
FIFA President Hails Qatar 2022 Group Stage As The Best Ever In History

FIFA President Hails Qatar 2022 Group Stage As The Best Ever In History

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the Qatar 2022 World Cup group stage as the best ever in history.

There were some notable shocks in the group stages, with Saudi Arabia getting the better of Argentina, Japan beating Spain and Germany as well as Brazil losing to Cameroon.

No team could accumulate the maximum nine points from the group stages.

Amid serious concern about host nation Qatar's human rights record, Infantino believes the tournament has so far proved to be a successful one.

Speaking on the first rest day of the World Cup, Infantino said: "I have seen all the matches, indeed, and put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever.

"So, it's very promising for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup.

"The matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums – we knew that already. However, as well, the public who was there was incredible. Over 51,000 on average.

"Record-breaking figures on TV – we already had over two billion viewers, which is really incredible.

"Two and a half million people in the streets of Doha and a few hundred thousand every day in the stadiums, all together, cheering together, supporting their teams, fantastic atmosphere, great goals, incredible excitement and surprises."

Discussing the surprise results, he added: "There are no more small teams and no more big teams. The level is very, very equal.

"For the first time as well, national teams from all continents going to the knock-out phase, for the first time in history. This shows that football is really becoming truly global."

Infantino expects the finals to conclude in a similarly entertaining manner.

"We hope that the FIFA World Cup continues and concludes as it has started – a fantastic success," he said. "I am sure that we will reach the five billion viewers around the world.

"When it comes to stadium attendances, the stadiums are sold out, full practically at every match. The fan festivals, the different fan zones, are also very crowded with people celebrating and enjoying [themselves].

"And at the end [of the day], we simply want to give some joy and some smiles to people all over the world. That's what football is about, that's what the FIFA World Cup is about, and that's what should also happen from now until the end."

Search