Prime Minister António Costa said on Tuesday that he is traveling to Qatar this afternoon to watch Portugal’s soccer team play against Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup in order to maintain the “tradition” of following European or world competitions.
“This is a tradition that, by the way, we have had at least since I was prime minister. I don’t remember a single European or world competition where government officials were not together with the selection, representing the whole country. in support of the choice,” the head of government said, speaking to Portuguese journalists on the sidelines of the first EU summit with the Western Balkans in Tirana.
In statements made in the Albanian capital, from where he is leaving for Doha, António Costa was asked if he was comfortable with such a trip, given the controversy over human rights in Qatar, as well as the fact of traveling on an official government plane. stating that “this is a question that no longer arises.”
“We have already been to Russia and France. The places where the tests are taking place, where they were decided, in due time, ”the prime minister explained, saying that he expects the selection of kinas to win in the match on Tuesday.
António Costa also said that if the Portuguese team made it to the final, it would be a “great pleasure” to return to Qatar.
On Tuesday, the Portuguese football team will take on Switzerland in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals for the third time in history and 16 years after the last qualification.
In both 1966 and 2006, the Kinas team reached the quarterfinals, and for the first time the competition did not yet include an eighth final. On both occasions, Portugal eventually reached the semi-finals, finishing third in England and fourth in Germany.
After winning Group H by six points, ahead of South Korea led by Paulo Bento, who also went further, the formation led by Fernando Santos will face Switzerland, who were in second place in Group G, level with leaders Brazil, but at a disadvantage by goal difference.
It will be the third clash between the two teams this year after two in the Nations League, both during a week in June when Portugal won 4-0 in Alvalada before losing 1-0 a week later in Geneva.
Portugal and Switzerland will face off in the last of eight round of 16 games, starting at 22:00 local time (19:00 Lisbon) at Lusail Stadium.
Mundial2022 will last until December 18 in Qatar.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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