The Peninsula
Qatar’s hosting of the Lusail Super Cup showdown between Al Hilal and Zamalek on Friday night received praise from players, officials and fans, who relished an ‘exceptional’ event at the iconic Lusail Stadium.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal lifted the trophy after beating Zamalek 4-1 in a penalty shootout after both teams were level 1-1 in regulation time.
The match, which was the last test for the Qatari organisers to check their preparations ahead of the November 20-December 18 FIFA World Cup, saw a record attendance at a football match in Qatar with 77,575 spectators providing an electrifying atmosphere inside the 80,000-seat venue.
Cultural activities, grand fireworks and Egyptian singer Amr Diab set the mood with his performance before the two continental giants produced exciting action.
“The atmosphere was great and we were happy to be part of a beautiful event,” Al Hilal coach and former Argentina player Ramon Diaz said after his team clinched the title.
The match was conducted smoothly with all arrangements in place including transportation and measures at Qatar’s biggest venue, which will host the FIFA World Cup final on December 18.
“The organisation was great as Qatar has gained a lot of experience in organising major sports events. The country is now getting ready to stage the biggest football event and I have full confidence that they will host the tournament in the best way. We are happy to have played at the Lusail Stadium,” he added.
Al Hilal star Salman Al Faraj said the players relished atmosphere inside the venue. “Fans created great atmosphere and we are happy to give our fans this trophy. The Zamalek fans also added excitement in the match,” he said.
Zamalek’s Mahmoud Abdelrazik ‘Shikabala’ said the team tried its best to win the match while lauding Qatar’s hosting of the match in a befitting manner.
“The organisation was up to the mark as this stadium will host World Cup matches including the final. We gave our best to win the trophy and we now hope to make our fans happy next time,” he said.
The Lusail Stadium will host a total of 10 matches during the World Cup, starting with a Group C clash between Saudi Arabia and pre-event favourites Argentina on November 22.