MARGAO
Derrick Pereira, technical director of FC Goa, is happy to see some of the smaller teams excelling at FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Having watched Asian football from up close over the years, Pereira was most excited about the success of Asian teams ” Japan (beat both Germany and Spain 2-1) and South Korea (drew 0-0 with Uruguay, beat Ghana 2-0 and beat Portugal 2-1). Both the teams deservedly qualified for the second round, said Pereira.
"Aptly, and as an icing on the cake, the final between Argentina and France turned out to be an absolute thriller, and arguably the greatest final in the history of the tournament," Pereira said. "Qatar has fulfilled its promise of delivering an exceptional tournament from the land of Arabs, providing the chance for peoples of the world to learn about the enriched and authentic Arab culture."
Pereira said the transportation was at the heart of the event, with the Doha Metro, Lusail Tram, Mowasalat (Karwa) buses, various taxi services, and the Education City and Msheireb trams safely and effectively transporting millions of people. The Doha Metro and Lusail Tram transported a staggering 19.2mn people during the tournament and the number of passengers carried by the Education City and Msheireb trams was 177,838.
Well-laid-out plans along with precise implementation ensured the operations went off smoothly. There were massive crowds on some occasions, but the issues were duly addressed by the authorities and staff concerned. The Hayya card enabled people to use public transport for free, something the fans highly appreciated.
The experience at Hamad International Airport and Doha International Airport was also exceptional as detailed measures had been taken to ensure smooth operations, said Pereira. The volunteers, security teams, medical workers, and other personnel involved in the operations ensured that the entire process worked like a well-oiled machine. And they did so with a smile and brought cheer to fans from around the world.
"Also bringing joy were the locals and residents with their hospitality and warmth, helping visitors understand and appreciate the local culture while making their 'trek' to and from stadiums pleasant by offering refreshments. And finally, the experience at the stadiums themselves was truly exceptional. Happy, cheerful, disciplined crowds were seen everywhere, as millions caught the action on the pitch," added Pereira.
