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December 18, a day of celebration for Qatar
Real Madrid CF will take on Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on Qatar’s National Day, 18 December. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
DOHA, December 17, 2024 - Real Madrid, from Spain, and Pachuca, from Mexico, will clash this Wednesday, December 18, at the Lusail Stadium to decide the champion of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Two years ago, also on December 18, also in Doha and in the same setting, France and Argentina played to determine who would be the world soccer champion. Just a coincidence? Certainly not.
NATIONAL DAY December 18 is Qatar's National Day, when the country's unification, which took place in 1878, is celebrated. The holiday was established in 2007 and is always marked by significant activities that include fireworks, parades, exhibitions and, in the cases mentioned, important sports competitions that are being held in the country.
Almost next to the stadium where the decision will be made, there is a boulevard, over a kilometer long, which will be completely occupied by the population throughout the day to celebrate the date. For the population and the government, December 18th is important to preserve and spread Qatari culture in a country that is increasingly embraced by foreigners.
REAL MADRID IN TOWN After some problems with the plane, which delayed the arrival of the Spanish team in Doha, Real Madrid were welcomed with great celebration in the city. It is common to see children walking around the shopping malls wearing Real Madrid shirts (second only to the English teams). The big attractions are Mbappé (who played in the final of the 22 World Cup and now plays for Real) and Modric, who shone in the World Cup for Croatia.
The stadium is expected to receive a good crowd, but the elimination of Al Ahly, from Egypt, in the semifinals will certainly dampen the excitement of those present, but not the admiration for the Spanish team, which will play in the Intercontinental Cup final as the absolute favourite – for the Qataris, any result other than a Real Madrid victory will be a big surprise.
NATIONAL DAY December 18 is Qatar's National Day, when the country's unification, which took place in 1878, is celebrated. The holiday was established in 2007 and is always marked by significant activities that include fireworks, parades, exhibitions and, in the cases mentioned, important sports competitions that are being held in the country.
Almost next to the stadium where the decision will be made, there is a boulevard, over a kilometer long, which will be completely occupied by the population throughout the day to celebrate the date. For the population and the government, December 18th is important to preserve and spread Qatari culture in a country that is increasingly embraced by foreigners.
REAL MADRID IN TOWN After some problems with the plane, which delayed the arrival of the Spanish team in Doha, Real Madrid were welcomed with great celebration in the city. It is common to see children walking around the shopping malls wearing Real Madrid shirts (second only to the English teams). The big attractions are Mbappé (who played in the final of the 22 World Cup and now plays for Real) and Modric, who shone in the World Cup for Croatia.
The stadium is expected to receive a good crowd, but the elimination of Al Ahly, from Egypt, in the semifinals will certainly dampen the excitement of those present, but not the admiration for the Spanish team, which will play in the Intercontinental Cup final as the absolute favourite – for the Qataris, any result other than a Real Madrid victory will be a big surprise.
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