By Christian Radnedge
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar can have a similar atmosphere to an
Olympic Games, according to former England international Michael Owen.
Speaking at the Soccerex Global Convention, Owen likened Qatar’s
proposal of a compact World Cup to the feel of an Olympics – citing
London 2012 as an example.
“The Olympics was such a great event because it feels like everyone’s
together,” he said. “The atmosphere is so good and when you’re flying
three hours across a country to get to a game – OK, big countries
everyone gets to see you, but having almost a concentrated group of
games, it almost feels like a big celebration, a big village, just like
it was for an Olympic occasion.
“So I think that’s a big benefit that Qatar is offering.”
The Qatar 2022 organising committee has consistently boasted that the
country’s size – less than 12,000 square kilometres – means that teams
can have a permanent hotel base and spectators can travel to up to three
games in a single day.
What has not been a bonus talking point, however, is the nature of
the summer heat in Qatar, which has seen the tournament moved to the
months of November-December.
But that is something that Owen, who appeared in three World Cup
tournaments for England, believes should not be of major concern to
Premier League players and their clubs.
He said: “I think obviously our players should be reasonably fit by
then. I think we’re clutching at straws if we think England will win the
World Cup because it’s in the winter. But I’ve got no problems at all.
“If I were playing now I would have no problems at all with starting
the league season, going away for a World Cup and then finishing the
league season.
“It happens in other leagues, so I’ve got no problem at all with that
and I don’t think the players will either. It’s logical to play in a
country like Qatar when it’s cooler.”
First appeared on KeirRadnedge.com
No comments:
Post a Comment