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Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
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Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed on Tuesday that his country will welcome the world and open its doors without discrimination during the FIFA World Cup 2022, which kicks off on November 20.

Speaking before the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar is on the threshold of hosting the world's teams and their fans.

It is opening doors for all of them “without discrimination to enjoy the football matches and the amazing atmosphere of the tournament, in addition to witnessing the economic and cultural renaissance in my country,” he added.

He pointed out that Qatar took on the challenge of hosting the landmark event 12 years ago, which required absolute resolve, determination, planning, and hard work.

Sheikh Tamim explained that the Qatari people will receive with “open arms football fans from all walks of life,” adding that no matter how diverse the nationalities, religions, and ideas are, “our duty is to overcome obstacles, extend a hand of friendship, build bridges of understanding and celebrate our common humanity.”

He concluded his address to the General Assembly: “On behalf of my people and my behalf, I invite you all to come to Qatar and enjoy this unique tournament. You are all welcome.”

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Dutch Delight but Coach, Captain Feel Win over Finland Could Have Been Better

Coach of team Finland Jacob Friis (R) and coach of team Netherlands Ronald Koeman (L) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier soccer match between Finland and Netherlands, in Helsinki, Finland, 07 June 2025. EPA/KIMMO BRANDT
Coach of team Finland Jacob Friis (R) and coach of team Netherlands Ronald Koeman (L) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier soccer match between Finland and Netherlands, in Helsinki, Finland, 07 June 2025. EPA/KIMMO BRANDT
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Dutch Delight but Coach, Captain Feel Win over Finland Could Have Been Better

Coach of team Finland Jacob Friis (R) and coach of team Netherlands Ronald Koeman (L) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier soccer match between Finland and Netherlands, in Helsinki, Finland, 07 June 2025. EPA/KIMMO BRANDT
Coach of team Finland Jacob Friis (R) and coach of team Netherlands Ronald Koeman (L) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier soccer match between Finland and Netherlands, in Helsinki, Finland, 07 June 2025. EPA/KIMMO BRANDT

There was Dutch delight as the Netherlands made an efficient start to their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday by winning away in Finland.

Both coach Ronald Koeman and captain Virgil van Dijk expressed satisfaction with the 2-0 win in Helsinki at the start of their Group G campaign, but felt the victory could have been more decisive, Reuters reported.

"I thought we started very well, quickly scored the opening goal," said Koeman of Memphis Depay's sixth minute effort.

"That is what you always want, especially in these types of matches against a team that plays with a lot of people behind the ball. We did that well.

"After about 30 or 35 minutes, I thought we were already a bit sloppy in possession. I also thought we no longer had real pressure on us.

"We did not create many chances and that continued in the second half," added Koeman. "That may be logical, but you want to get even more out of a match like this. The result is fine, but I hope we play a better second half against Malta on Tuesday."

The Dutch take on Malta at home in Groningen.

Koeman had said last week that he felt his side were obliged to win the group given the quality of opposition. They also have Lithuania and Poland in their group. The team topping the standings qualify for next year's World Cup in North America while the runner-up goes into a playoff phase.

"We've fallen a goal behind in many matches so it's great that we have now kept a clean sheet and took the three points," said Van Dijk.

"The first hurdle is always difficult. Under these circumstances, almost two weeks after the end of the season, it is important that we have taken the three points," he added.