The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off on November 20 in Qatar. 32 competing teams and soccer fans from all over the world gathered there. As FIFA World Cup is held for the first time in the Arab world, all eyes are on to see the grand sports event. Below, you'll see 4 spotlights of this World Cup.
The Long-Awaited Hosts
It's the first World Cup in the Arab world, and the hosts, Qatar, are experiencing their first trip to the tournament. Qatar has waited 45 years from their first appearance at the World Cup qualifying game in 1977 to today's tournament stage. Riding on the wave of preparations for the World Cup, Qatar's national football team has made great strides and become a new emerging force to be reckoned with in Asian soccer.
For the host, the performance on the field is only part of the story. Its ability to run the tournament is also worthy of attention. Final official figures have yet to be seen, but it is estimated that the Qatar World Cup will cost $220 billion to $300 billion, making it the most expensive World Cup ever. According to reports, 7 of the 8 stadiums used at the Qatar World Cup were newly built for the World Cup. And 7 of the 8 stadiums feature cooling systems to keep the stadiums at a comfortable temperature. Although Qatar has a high private car ownership rate, it has built new subways to make it easier for fans to watch the games. Qatar has built a new city Al Lusail for the World Cup, equipped with various infrastructure and recreational facilities. The Qatari government also reportedly spent billions of dollars on non-football infrastructures, such as a new international airport, new roads, and recreational facilities, in advance of this World Cup.
The Last Dance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo?
In another World Cup, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo came to live up to the expectations.
After the 2018 FILA World Cup, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's careers have undergone many changes, with the former leaving F.C. Barcelona and the latter rejoining Manchester United F.C. It is undeniable that both of them have experienced different degrees of decline in form as they age. But on the turf of Qatar, they are still the most talked about stars. Both are highly decorated, and the World Cup is the final piece of the puzzle in their honour books. Lionel Messi has made it clear that this is his last World Cup, and given Cristiano Ronaldo's age, his World Cup experience will likely end in Qatar. So this time, can they live the dream?
The topic of who is stronger or weaker, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, has been discussed by fans for over a decade but is still inconclusive, and if either of them can lift the Trophy on December 18 at the Lusail Stadium, the debate will be history.
The Twilight of Star Players
The stage of the World Cup certainly does not belong only to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a host of soccer stars will gather there. Their starlight will light up the night sky of Qatar. However, many familiar players, such as Modrić, Suárez, Silva, etc., will complete their World Cup curtain calls. These veterans prolong the life of the sport with their diligent professionalism, but at the cruel World Cup, someone will have to leave first.
Semi-Automated Offside Technology
The World Cup records the growth of the young and witnesses technological innovation on the field. Semi-automatic offside technology is being used at the Qatar World Cup, which is the first time used at a World Cup.
In Argentina's match against Saudi Arabia, semi-automatic offside technology twice canceled Argentina's goals. The technology uses 12 dedicated cameras installed under the stadium roof to track the soccer and each player's 29 data points, calculating their exact position on the pitch. The official match ball will be fitted with a sensor that sends data 500 times per second to detect a more precise kick point. In the event of a possible "offside", the technology automatically and instantly provides an offside alert to the video assistant referee.
After confirming that the judgment is correct, the video assistant referee will inform the referee of the situation. After the referee makes the penalty decision, the technology automatically generates a 3D animation detailing the position of the player's limbs on the pitch, which fans on the field and in front of the T.V. can quickly see on the screens.
What to Do to Get Ready for These
Staying energy is crucial not only for competing teams to win but also for fans. Staying focused on the match for long periods or cheering for the match can drain your energy. You may sweat a lot due to emotions, and your body will lose water. So remember to hydrate, using Buzio water bottle.
A good water bottle is the first step to getting hydration. Buzio Tumbler is a great solution to your hydration needs. It has a classic T-shaped body, easy to grip, and adds water. It is equipped with two straws, so you can drink directly from it without interrupting your soccer watching at all. It also keeps hot for 3 hours and cold for 9 hours, making it the perfect match for the essential beer at a soccer match.
