QATAR'S FIRST TOUCH
The Times of India Mumbai|November 20, 2022
Despite Off-Field Noise In Build-Up, Hosts Eye Good Start Against Ecuador 
QATAR'S FIRST TOUCH

Given the level of focus on the Qatari regime, its attitudes toward human rights, immigrant workers, the LGBTQ community and beer - the World Cup host's soccer team has slipped under the radar. Qatar opens the tournament against Ecuador on Sunday, but even the buildup to that match has been overshadowed by Friday's announcement that the sale of beer will be banned inside the stadium grounds.

The World Cup is a source of immense national pride for Qatar in its attempt to raise its profile on the global stage and drive toward modernization. But what about the team?

Qatar has never before appeared in a World Cup and faces a major challenge just to emerge from Group A, which also includes Senegal and the Netherlands. Sunday may be Qatar's best hope for a victory against an Ecuador team that is only five places above it at No. 44 in the FIFA rankings.

This story is from the November 20, 2022 edition of The Times of India Mumbai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 20, 2022 edition of The Times of India Mumbai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIA MUMBAIView All
US soccer scrubs Islamic emblem from Iran flag
The Times of India Mumbai

US soccer scrubs Islamic emblem from Iran flag

The federation said in a statement Sunday that it decided to forego the official flag on social media accounts to show “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.”

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Pyar Ke Saat Vachan Dharam Patnii begins on TV tonight
The Times of India Mumbai

Pyar Ke Saat Vachan Dharam Patnii begins on TV tonight

What happens when kismet takes over the lives of two couples belonging to two different sections of society?

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Arijit serenades music lovers in Mumbai
The Times of India Mumbai

Arijit serenades music lovers in Mumbai

Arijit Singh casts a spell with his voice

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
ARGENTINA LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY
The Times of India Mumbai

ARGENTINA LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY

Messi's Strike Rattles Mexico And Lusail, Brings Team Back From The Brink

time-read
4 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Costa Rica come alive
The Times of India Mumbai

Costa Rica come alive

Los Ticos Stun Japan With Late Fuller Winner

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Morocco's moment under the sun
The Times of India Mumbai

Morocco's moment under the sun

Inspired Atlas Lions Shock Belgium For First WC Win In 24 Years

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, SOAR
The Times of India Mumbai

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, SOAR

Athletics Icon Usha Set To Become First Woman President Of IOA

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Industry body calls for slower rate hikes
The Times of India Mumbai

Industry body calls for slower rate hikes

CII Asks RBI To Moderate Pace Of Raising Repo As Global Woes May Impact Growth

time-read
2 mins  |
November 28, 2022
The Times of India Mumbai

Insurance reforms may see PE funding surge in sector

Irdai Raises Investment Cap, Allows PEs To Be Promoters

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Cut ties with child-killing regime, Khamenei's niece tells world, held
The Times of India Mumbai

Cut ties with child-killing regime, Khamenei's niece tells world, held

Iranian authorities have arrested a niece of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after she recorded a video describing the authorities led by her uncle as a “murderous and child-killing regime”.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022