President of world football governing body, Gianni Infantino has described the opening stages of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, as the ‘best ever’.
Speaking in Qatar, the FIFA President, who lauded the group and historic knock-out phase, said “Put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a World Cup, ever. So it’s very promising for the remainder of the World Cup. But the matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums – we knew that already – however, as well, the public who was there was incredible”.
“Over 51,000 on average. Record-breaking figures on TV – we already had over two billion viewers, which is really incredible. The level is very, very equal.”
He remarkably noted that “There are no more small teams and no more big teams. For the first time as well, national teams from all continents going to the knock-out phase for the first time in history. This shows that football is really becoming truly global”.
“We reach the top competitive phase where, of course, the big stars, the big players, the big teams, will make the difference on the pitch. So I hope, and I’m sure, we will see a fantastic conclusion of this World Cup.”
Figures published at the end of the group stage showed a cumulative attendance of 2.45 million for the first 48 games, while the first knockout round featured a total of 28 goals over the eight games played; the most there has ever been since the round of 16 was introduced in 1986.
Harping on his hopes for the remaining games before the new world champions are crowned at Lusail Stadium on 18 December, he said “We hope that the FIFA World Cup continues and concludes as it has started – a fantastic success. I am sure that we will reach the five billion viewers around the world”.
“When it comes to stadium attendances, the stadiums are sold-out, full practically at every match. The fan festivals, the different fan zones, are also very crowded with people celebrating and enjoying [themselves].
“And at the end [of the day], we simply want to give some joy and some smiles to people all over the world. That’s what football is about, that’s what the FIFA World Cup is about, and that’s what should also happen from now until the end.”
The first two quarter-finals – between Croatia and Brazil, and Netherlands and Argentina – take place on 9th December, with the second two – Morocco versus Portugal and England against France, a day later on the 10th.
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