A Journey of Football Passion: Witnessing the FIFA World Cup QATAR 2022
Ayushman Buragohain

In a family where football runs in our blood, our shared love for the beautiful game has brought us together on numerous occasions.
However, the pinnacle of our football journey unfolded in 2022 when we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to experience the live action of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. From the exhilarating matches to the vibrant atmosphere, this once-in-a-lifetime experience left an indelible mark on our hearts.
It all began in 2010 when my cousin visited my hometown of Duliajan from Jorhat, and together, we reveled in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
As the matches unfolded, we bonded over our shared passion for football. I have vivid memories of me and my cousin gathering around a globe, as my cousin showed me the countries participating in the tournament in the globe.
Little did we know that this initial connection would pave the way for our future football adventures.
Fast forward to 2022, and the dream became a reality as we set off to witness the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
With my cousin and his wife residing in Bangalore, myself studying there, and my father joining us from Duliajan, it was a family reunion of football enthusiasts.
Excitement filled the air as we boarded the plane for our journey to Qatar.

Unable to contain my anticipation, I remained wide awake throughout the entire five-hour flight, fueled by sheer excitement for the upcoming football extravaganza. Upon landing in Qatar, we were immediately immersed in the festivities of the FIFA World Cup.
The airport was adorned with vibrant decorations, reflecting the excitement and grandeur of the tournament. Our senses were awakened, and the realization that we were about to experience something truly extraordinary settled in.
After collecting our luggage, we boarded a bus that would take us to our hotels. As we settled into the bus, the anticipation grew, and we eagerly gazed out of the windows, taking in the sights of Qatar. Thanks to the hospitality of the Qatari government, our accommodations exceeded our expectations.

We were provided with luxurious VIP LEVC Sutton cars, ensuring our comfort and convenience throughout the trip. These vehicles became our trusted companions, shuttling us between our hotels and the designated bus stops, where we would embark on the next leg of our journey via the efficient metro system.
After settling into our rooms, we wasted no time immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture and cuisine of Qatar. Our exploration led us to the captivating Souq Waqif, where the tantalizing aromas of Qatari delicacies filled the air. As we strolled through the bustling marketplace, a delightful scent caught our attention. We followed our noses, curious to uncover the source of this alluring aroma. To our surprise, it led us to a charming sweet shop tucked away in a corner.
The moment we stepped into the shop, we were enveloped in a world of delectable treats. The display showcased an array of exquisite desserts, including knafeh and baklava, known for their rich flavors and delicate textures. Intrigued by the enticing aromas, we couldn’t resist the temptation to taste these Qatari delights.

Little did we know that our impromptu visit to this sweet shop would turn out to be a serendipitous discovery. After returning to our room, my cousin’s curiosity got the better of him, As he embarked on his research, we soon discovered that the shop we stumbled upon was none other than the most famous sweet shop in Qatar. It was a delightful realization, knowing that we had unknowingly indulged in the best that Qatari cuisine had to offer.
The anticipation reached its peak on Day 2, as we donned our FIFA World Cup gear and made our way to the stadiums. The atmosphere outside the iconic Khalifa Stadium was electric, with fans from across the globe gathering in unity and excitement. Language barriers vanished as we engaged in friendly banter, shared predictions, and captured precious moments through photographs.

It was a testament to the unifying power of football. Entering the stadium, we were greeted by breathtaking views and an atmosphere charged with anticipation. The match itself was a spectacle of skill and passion, with players giving their all on the field resulting in end-to-end attacking football from both sides.
In an extraordinary upset, the underdog Japanese team emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, leaving the crowd in awe and celebration. Beyond the match, the FIFA festival outside the stadium became our playground for celebration.
We danced, laughed, and shared joy with fellow football enthusiasts from around the world. The festival showcased the true spirit of the game, reinforcing the notion that football has the power to bring people together, transcending boundaries and differences.

As our adventure continued, we reached the last day of our festival of football journey. The highly anticipated match between Portugal and Ghana awaited us, promising a glimpse of one of the greatest footballers of our time, Cristiano Ronaldo. Before heading to the stadium, we took the time to explore Qatar one last time, savoring the unique experiences the country had to offer. Located at the heart of the festival, Stadium 974
stood as a testament to the spirit of the FIFA World Cup. Constructed from 974 shipping containers, this remarkable structure was not only a venue for thrilling matches but also a symbol of unity and generosity. Post-tournament, it would be donated to other football nations in need, providing them with a home stadium of their own. As we entered the stadium, the buzz was extraordinary.
The chanting of enthusiastic fans resonated throughout the air, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The moment Ronaldo stepped onto the field for warmups, the energy surged, and the crowd erupted with anticipation. The match commenced, and the atmosphere reached a whole new level when Portugal was awarded a penalty.

True to his reputation, Ronaldo confidently stepped up to take the spot-kick and found the back of the net. The stadium reverberated with the collective shout of “SIUUUUUUUUUUU,” an ode to Ronaldo’s iconic celebration. The crowd danced, chanted his name, and partook in the famous Mexican wave celebration, embracing the sheer joy of the moment.
As the match concluded, we bid a bittersweet farewell to the festival of football. We took some time to revel in the FIFA festival for a final taste of the electrifying atmosphere and to collect mementos to commemorate our incredible journey.

As we returned to our room, a tinge of sadness set in, knowing that our time at the festival of football was drawing to a close. The realization that we would soon return home lingered, but the memories we created and forged will forever remain etched in our hearts.
Our trip to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar was an exciting adventure filled with passion, togetherness, and incredible moments we’ll never forget. From stumbling upon delicious Qatari sweets to seeing the amazing skills of Cristiano Ronaldo, everything we experienced made our love for football grow even stronger and showed us how it brings people from different countries together.

As we said goodbye to the football festival, we held onto precious memories, a deeper understanding of Qatari culture, and a strong belief in how football can unite people from all over the world.
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