All hail Al Janoub Stadium
Doha, Qatar: Extraordinary, espectacular, and amazing were among the adjectives used by some of the giants of world football — from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to World Cup winning Brazilian Roberto Carlos to former European champion with Netherlands Ruud Gullit — to describe the Al Janoub Stadium which was unveiled on Thursday, and it’s safe to say that there was not even the slightest hint of exaggeration involved.
The Al Janoub Stadium or The South Stadium got its name when HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani tweeted on his official account about the name change before the start of the cultural ceremony which preceded the Amir Cup final match between Al Sadd and Al Duhail SC.
Taking its design inspiration from dhow boats on the exterior and traditional ships’ hull in the interior, the Al Janoub Stadium is a breath-taking beauty.
The seats in shades of blue and white depicting the colours of Al Wakrah, who will be based at the new arena after World Cup, makes its interior resemble waves in the sea.
No surprise that Infantino called it extraordinary.
“The stadium is extraordinary,” said Infantino, who watched the final sitting next to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim. “I was here seven months ago during the final stages of construction. I am delighted to see how beautiful and functional it is, but I am not surprised.
“Qatar is working very hard to excel when it comes to every aspect of the tournament. Today, we have seen even more proof of their capability and commitment, and we will keep working side by side towards all other milestones that will come our way until 2022.”
Infantino also praised Al Sadd captain and Barcelona legend Xavi, who was playing his final match as a professional footballer.
“Xavi is among the greatest midfielders I have seen. His achievements with Barcelona and Spain place him in a very select group of absolutely legendary players. Over the past few years here in Doha, his leadership has become even more evident as he has supported the younger players and even predicted that Qatar would win the AFC Asian Cup when few believed that was possible,” said the FIFA chief.
Xavi did not have a great time at Al Janoub Stadium as his swansong was spoiled by a dazzling display from Duhail who won 4-1 to emerge champions, but his compatriot and former Spain captain Fernando Heirro was thoroughly impressed with stadium and the overall infrastructure development in Qatar.
“The stadium is amazing,” said former Real Madrid captain Hierro. “The stadiums coming up for the 2022 World Cup are different in style and atmosphere. Qatar is doing a great job and all the best for Qatar for the next three years.”
Hierro, who played for Al Rayyan in 2003-04 and whose final match for the Lions ended in an Amir Cup triumph, said the country and infrastructure has totally changed now.
Another Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos, who is a World Cup winner in 2002, termed the stadium espectacular in Spanish, adding that it had a great atmosphere.
Meanwhile, AC Milan and Netherlands legend Gullit was going gaga about the beauty of the stadium.
“Oh, it’s amazing, said Gullit. I travelled with the people of Qatar bid for the World Cup, I was the president of the Holland bid (to host the 2018 World Cup).
“So we travelled along a lot of times. If you see what they have done in a short time and with difficulties that people thought they had but they didn’t. It’s amazing to see such a fantastic stadium. Beautiful pitch, beautiful design. It’s unbelievable and when you go inside it’s gorgeous,” said Gullit.
The 40,000 capacity stadium designed by Zaha Hadid Architects is equipped with innovative cooling technology and a retractable roof. It will host matches at Qatar 2022 World Cup until the quarterfinals and for sure it’s going to be a big hit among the fans and players with its design, facilities and atmosphere.
But when it comes to Qatar World Cup stadiums, it’s no secret that those under construction are going to be even more extraordinary, espectacular, and amazing.
