Hatem’s World Cup dream set to become reality

Abdulaziz Hatem

Midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem said Qatar has huge aspirations at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022, but acknowledged it won’t be easy for the host nation. The football showpiece event begins on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor when Qatar take on Ecuador. Qatar – who will be making their World Cup debut – have a tough task to get past the group stage, where they are also grouped with European powerhouse the Netherlands and African champions Senegal. Hatem said playing at a World Cup, that too at home, will turn the dream into a reality for him and his teammates. The 32-year-old also knows it will be a historical occasion for the whole country and pressure will be on the players to perform. “Our dream of playing in the World Cup will become a reality in a few days’ time and we’re eagerly looking forward to the historic occasion,” he said. “Qatar team has made great efforts over the past period while training in Austria and Spain. We have also played at Copa America and the CONCACAF Gold Cup besides several friendlies in order to gain experience and that will help us a lot at the World Cup,” Hatem added. The midfielder pointed out that Qatar will seek to live up to their status as Asian champions. Hatem stole the headlines after the 2019 AFC Cup quarter-final, when his blistering strike from distance earned Qatar a maiden semi-final berth. Then he was back for more in the final against Japan, netting his team’s second from outside the box en route to their first AFC Asian Cup crown. Hatem believes the home support will be key for Qatar as he called on fans to rally behind the team. “The public support will positively impact the team’s performance during the World Cup. It will motivate the team to give it their all on the pitch,” he said. Hatem, who is a mainstay in the Al Rayyan squad, hopes to be at his best during the World Cup. “We must be focused during the World Cup. Our goal is to prove that Qatar is capable of giving honourable performances on the big stage and we are determined to do that,” he said. Hatem, who struck the first ever goal at Al Bayt Stadium, has happy memories there and hopes to score once again. On returning to Al Bayt Stadium for the opening game against Ecuador, he said, “It’s an amazing venue and I’ve been lucky enough to score there twice. I’m proud to be the first ever player to score at this stadium, where the opening game of the World Cup will be held. We feel at home when we play there.”