Emine al-Motakki by no means imagined he would someday attend a World Cup recreation, it’s not a chance everybody will get. On Wednesday, the 27-year-old French Moroccan bodily therapist from Marseille was counting his blessings.
“It’s a privilege to be right here,” he informed Al Jazeera. “I’ve a very good job … so I’m capable of save properly.”
Wearing a Moroccan staff jumpsuit with a lion masks, al-Motakki talked concerning the spiralling value of residing in each France and Morocco, the place many are struggling to make ends meet. Managing to go to Qatar for the World Cup amid such world crises made the event much more particular, he stated, describing it as among the many “finest moments” of his life.
As crowds crammed Al Bayt stadium for the Morocco-Croatia Group F match, al-Motakki’s vibrant costume and masks made him a magnet for different followers, lots of whom surrounded him for selfies – together with a younger little one who initially appeared terrified by al-Motakki’s getup.
Again in France, al Motakki stated he attends all of the video games of Olympique de Marseille and takes each alternative to decorate up for the event when he can. “I wish to make folks completely happy,” he stated, describing himself as a soccer fanatic.
Additionally a fan of the French nationwide staff, when requested who would he assist, he stated it could be like “selecting between my mom and father.” On Wednesday although, he was all in for the nation of his origin.
Certainly, the venue and the world outdoors the stadium had been dominated by followers of the Atlas Lions, because the Moroccan staff are identified.
Regardless of the warmth, the stadium was crammed with color and pleasure — a sea of crimson and inexperienced, the shades of the Moroccan flag, swept the stands: households with youngsters, {couples} and teams of buddies.
The group was welcomed by the Al Salam dabke group from Ramallah, Palestine. Moroccans rushed to them to take footage with them whereas some held Palestine flags alongside the Moroccan one.
Nabeela from Rabat and a Qatar resident, stated she was “tremendous proud’ of her staff making it to the World Cup. “I’m very assured we are going to do properly at this time,” stated the 31-year-old who works in an power firm.
However regional camaraderie was additionally on show. Nabeela stated she was “so completely happy for the Saudis,” and that their beautiful upset towards Argentina on Tuesday “will enhance confidence of our staff as properly.” On Tuesday, Tunisia too shocked Denmark by holding them to a goalless draw.
Moroccans gathered round performing teams just like the Ramallah dabke staff or characters like al-Motakki to sing their staff sing, dance or scream phrases in assist of the staff. Some might be seen sporting their nationwide clothes, together with the well-known crimson Fez cap.
Croatia there too
In the meantime the Croatian followers had been in a lot smaller numbers. Some had been in custom-made white thobes plastered with crimson squares identical to on their nationwide flag — maybe their strategy to match and have a good time the event of the World Cup being held in an Arab nation for the primary time.
One couple Al Jazeera spoke to stated they’re having a “nice time” in Qatar.
Maya, 56, and Davor, 61, stated they’ve been residing at a cruise which might be docked at Doha.
“The safety, hospitality … and transportation has been good,” Davor stated.” We really feel secure right here.”
This event of their first time within the Center East. “I believe it’s fantastic the World Cup is right here on this area,” Maya stated. “It’s good for cultural change. Individuals can be thinking about travelling to different nations within the Gulf.”
Requested on who will win at this time, Davor smiled saying he doesn’t need to “jinx it”. The he opened up. “I believe Croatia … it has a greater staff on paper.”
In the meantime al-Motakki stated he’s assured his staff would be the victors. “It will likely be 2-1 … one other upset.”