The flags of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea were hoisted yesterday at the Doha Corniche among qualified countries for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Iran was the first Asian country to qualify after beating the UAE by a lone goal to top Group A, while second-placed Korea eased past Syria. Both teams join host country Qatar, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Serbia, Spain, and Switzerland.
Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi said, “Two Asian football powerhouses have joined the World Cup family,” while welcoming the ambassadors of Iran and South Korea.
“It will be a great cele-bration playing with you (Iran and South Korea) in this. We’re excited to host the people of Iran and South Korea to a truly Asian celebration,” Hassan Al Thawadi said.
Meanwhile, the Iranian envoy H E Hamid Reza Deh-ghani said, “We are proud that we are the first Asian country to qualify for the World Cup. The tournament in Qatar is a source of pride for us as Iranians and the people of the region.
”The regional giants will make their sixth appearance at the World Cup, and Dehghani expects Iranians to turn out in huge numbers as the team hopes to cross the first round huddle at the World Cup.
“We hope that our team will reach advanced levels. Iranian fans are always eager to attend the World Cup, even when it was held in other countries, but Qatar is close to Iran, and therefore we expect a large number of attendees.We expect that the World Cup will be good, the weather will be good, and Qatar has pre-pared for it very well,” he added.
On the other hand, the Republic of Korea Ambassador, H E Joon-ho Lee said he looks forward to the national team doing one better than their 2002 performance when they reached the semi-finals. The former World Cup host alongside Japan precisely ten years ago will make their 11th appearance at the World Cup in Qatar. “It’s amazing that our national team has sailed through to the World Cup for the tenth straight time, and I hope they make a big impact here,” Ambassador Lee said.
“Our best performance was in 2002 when we reached the semi-finals. I hope we can rep-licate that show here. Our country is known for its passion for football. If the COVID-19 sit-uation improves, I expect many Koreans to travel to Qatar,” he added
