Doha: For the FIFA World Cup 2022 arguably Wales’ greatest-ever side arrive in Qatar as they qualified for the football’s showpiece event after 1958. Wales’ qualification for the 2022 World Cup ended a 64-year wait for their return to the biggest stage in international football.
Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Qatar H E Jon Wilks, who represents both England and Wales, said that both teams have a “strong spirit”.
“Wales and England are two teams expected to do very well. But the spirit of Wales is very strong because this is the first time since 1958 (they are in the finals),” the ambassador said speaking to media at his residence in Doha, yesterday.
“The fighting spirit of Wales will be very strong. Naturally, I support both the teams. They are in the same group … it is the strongest group according to the rankings. So the two teams going from this group will be very strong.”
Wales are set to compete in Group B where they will face England, the United States and Iran. In a rare incident England will conclude their Group B fixtures meeting neighbouring Wales.
Both teams have very strong spirit for different reasons, the envoy said.
“Expectations for England obviously are very high. But Wales is so special to be here. So I wish both teams well personally and professionally.” Wilks said that two teams from the UK playing at a FIFA World Cup is a rare scene as often either England or Scotland qualifies.
“Wales is a very small country and it coming to the World Cup is huge. The First Minister of Wales and celebrities want to tell the world about Wales,” said Wilks.
The ambassador said that Qatar and Wales share the same wish to use the World Cup to tell the world about the country.
Ambassador Wilks expressed his expectation for Qatar 2022 to be an avenue for more fans to get to know about Wales – its football, culture and people.
“Everybody knows about England, a few people know about Wales,” he said, adding that he wish Wales to become the favourite team of many during and after Qatar 2022.
Wilks, an enthusiastic football fan, in reply to a question about his favourite players, said that he is a supporter of Arsenal and players from the club are more promising.
“I am an Arsenal supporter. Although I was born in the Midlands of England and obviously went to London to work as a diplomat within the Foreign Ministry and became an Arsenal supporter. So of course, I wish great success for all the Arsenal players and particularly the England team.
“I would like to see a lot of players for England and some for Wales who have shown great potential and promise… I would also like to see some of those younger players brought in,” he added.
