Amir inaugurates Al Janoub Stadium

Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani last night inaugurated the brand new Al Janoub Stadium where more than 36,000 fans witnessed a thrilling Amir Cup final between Al Duhail and Al Sadd.  

With FIFA President Gianni Infantino joining scores of foreign dignitaries, Ministers and retired football stars at the opening ceremony, the Amir walked into the new 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium — a fully air-conditioned venue — to rapturous cheer from fans of the two sides.

A few minutes earlier the Amir along with a large number of citizens and residents travelled on Doha Metro before embarking on a bus to reach the venue.

A general view of the Al Janoub Stadium during the opening ceremony, yesterday. Picture: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula

A brief yet bright opening ceremony replete with music and a laser show launched the proceedings. Later fireworks lit up the night sky over Al Janoub Stadium.

A short video detailing Qatar’s pearling history was also played on the new ground’s two big screens. Ghanim Al Muftah, often dubbed the Qatari “miracle child” for having overcome the physical limits imposed by rare Caudal Regression Syndrome which impaired the development of his lower spine, delivered a speech to loud cheer from the packed stadium.

This is the second 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium to be unveiled by Qatar in 24 months. Two summers ago, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) opened the iconic Khalifa International Stadium with a similar spectacular opening ceremony.

H H the Amir along with a large number of citizens and residents travelled on Doha Metro to the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah for the match.

Built from scratch, the ground-breaking ceremony of Al Janoub Stadium took place in 2014. In just five years, the 40,000-seater venue - designed by late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid - has now joined the list of stadiums completed by Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After the World Cup, the capacity of the new stadium will be reduced to 20,000 and the same number of seats will be given to countries keen to develop the game in Asia. The new stadium has reportedly come at a cost of $575m.

Scores of former football stars also joined in the celebrations last night including Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Ronald de Boer and Ruud Gullit. Qatar’s track and field star Mutaz Barshim was also in the stands to watch what turned out to be an enthralling encounter between the country’s top two teams. Spanish football hero Fernando Hierro, Youri Djorkaeff, Sabri Lamouchi, Nasser Hamdan and former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon were also present on the occasion.

H H the Amir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attending the Amir Cup final match.

“It’s a marvelous stadium. It’s a grand football venue with a lot of uniqueness. It is different. I like it,” Cafu, who lifted the 2002 FIFA World Cup for Brazil, said yesterday. “I am sure Qatar are progressing nicely. They have done fantastic job. Qatar is doing all the right things to stage a great World Cup. They are ready to welcome the world,” the 48-year-old added.

“As for the national team, Qatar will play at the Copa America next month. It will be good for the players. It is a big tournament and Qatar have the opportunity to learn a lot as they build a strong squad,” he said.

Gullit, who guided Netherlands to 1988 Euro title, said: “I think they have made a statement there. I think they have done a great job. And now we have this new stadium - I think it looks wonderful. Again, a sign to the world what Qataris can do.”

Fans before the final. Picture: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula

De Boer, 49, was just as amazed as the other invited guests.

“When we just arrived, I saw the stadium beauty from outside. From inside what I like it is a proper football stadium,” De Boer, who won more than a 60 caps for the Netherlands, said in an interview yesterday.

“Of course you can’t compare the old stadiums from the time I played here.

A glimpse of yesterday’s opening ceremony.

The old Al Rayyan and Al Wakrah stadiums were not bad. But this is what you need since we are heading to 2022. Every time I come here, I am surprised. I was here eight months ago. I am sure they will achieve a lot. It is hard work but I am sure they will pull it off. Qatar team is progressing well.

“There’s still 2-3 years to go before the World Cup so they have time to improve their players further. I am sure they are on the right track,” the retired Dutch star added.

Former Spain footballer Fernando Hierro (L) attends the Amir Cup final match.

Brazil’s retired World Cup star Carlos said: “It feels great to be here. There’s a great atmosphere. This stadium looks amazing. Like always, Qatar have done an amazing job building this stadium. Everything looks top class.”

Hierro, who played for Al Gharafa before retiring, said yesterday: “The atmosphere is great for football. It is the second opening of a 2022 World Cup venue and the stadium is amazing. All the stadiums for the World Cup which are coming up are stadiums of the future - different stadiums, different atmosphere. I am a hundred percent sure that this is going to be a great World Cup.”

Former Brazilian footballer Roberto Carlos (left) and Argentine footballer Pablo Zabaleta (centre) attend the Amir Cup final.

Former Dutch footballer Ruud Gullit (centre), Qatar’s World Champion in High Jump Mutaz Barshim and  Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto’o (right) during the Amir Cup final.