David Beckham: Fans, Players Will Love Qatar's Compact FIFA World Cup

Doha, March 30 (QNA) - England legend David Beckham cannot wait for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world. Beckham, 46, who played and scored in three World Cups, has been a regular visitor to Qatar over the past decade - and has witnessed the country's preparations for the 22nd edition of international football's showpiece event. In an interview with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy website ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 draw, Beckham expressed his aspiration to attend the final drawing ceremony, which will be hosted by the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday, and the launch of the first edition of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in the Middle East and the Arab World. Beckham praised the proximity of the stadiums that characterize the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and its positive impact on the performance of the players, and its reflection on the fans, who will have the unrepeatable opportunity to attend more than one match in one day during the first-round matches of the tournament. He stressed that this event holds a special significance for the entire football community, as it indicates the imminent start of the tournament, pointing out that the players and fans are looking forward to this event with a lot of passion and curiosity to know the groups that will bring together the competing teams in the tournament. "It's a really big moment and something you always look forward to as a player and fan. It's exciting for players as you get to know who you're coming up against and who you must prepare for. It's a moment for players and fans to realize that the World Cup is almost here and for the excitement to begin to build," said Beckham. About the important of the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world, Beckham said: "It's a massive moment for everyone in Qatar and very inspiring. I've always talked about the legacy of the World Cup for Qatar - but also the legacy of the World Cup everywhere. That's what the World Cup brings to a nation - it's an inspiring moment. For Qatar, it's a chance to show off the country and its love of football, its history and culture. Having some of the biggest players in the sport descend on Qatar is a huge moment for the country and region". Commenting to the fact that all the stadiums near to one another and how this will benefit the players, the football legend said: "It's a huge benefit. The furthest a team is going to have to travel is 40-45 minutes on a bus. In the World Cups I played in, it could take two or three days to recover from the game and the travelling. For a player, Qatar offers the perfect set-up". Regarding the tournament will take place in November and December, for many countries, it will mean the World Cup takes place in the middle of the football season, and what kind of benefits will that have, Beckham said: " As an England player, we went into every World Cup after a grueling season in the Premier League, which is one of the toughest leagues in the world. When you come to the end of the season, you're exhausted, and it takes a while to recover - more than a few weeks. This time, it will be mid-season, so this is perfect for English players - and other teams - who can go into the tournament with a real opportunity." "Without a doubt. You always expect a high standard during the World Cup - but coming in mid-season, the standards are going to be even higher. The weather is going to be perfect, the stadiums are amazing, the facilities are amazing, the fans are going to have a great time. It's set up perfectly" the English star said. About his expectations for England team, Beckham said: "My expectations for England are always high. Ours fans will have high expectations - and rightly so. I feel Gareth Southgate has done an incredible job. We've got a team that's been together for quite a few years. You can't really call them a young team anymore - but many of the players are young, while they also have experience in there with the likes of Harry Kane. I feel this is a real opportunity for us. We're coming into the tournament in good form. We just have to keep that up." "I would have to say Harry Kane. He's a leader, he's our captain and he's our goal scorer. With him performing at the highest level, he's massively important to our team". he added. Regarding England's main rivals in the tournament "When you think about the World Cup you automatically talk about Brazil, Argentina and France. They are all great nations who have won many tournaments. Another country I am excited to see play is Denmark. I think they could be the surprise package. They've had a good lead-up and always do well in major tournaments. I'm also looking forward to seeing the host nation, Qatar. They have a young team who have been together a long time. They know each other well and I think they'll be boosted by the atmosphere in the stadiums". Said Beckham. Beckham said his message to the fans heading to Qatar for the World Cup is that They're going to have a great experience. In the past, fans have had to travel between games but in Qatar, they're going to be able to go to more than one match a day because it is such a compact tournament. I think the fans will enjoy what Qatar has to offer. There will be great food, a warm welcome from the local people and lots to see and enjoy besides the football. The star David Beckham also confirmed his aspiration to see the performance of the Qatar national team, noting that it includes young players who enjoy a busy career in football, and their team is considered one of the harmonious and integrated teams, in addition to playing matches at home and among their fans, which will enhance the level of his performance during the tournament. At the end of his speech, Beckham said: "I still feel I can put my boots on and play in a World Cup. Even at my age - which is not old - I still feel I could play in the Premier League or La Liga or for England. When I walk into a stadium, I always want to put my boots on. (QNA)