‘A promise delivered in spectacular fashion’ – Qatar press lauds opening ceremony

Qatar’s players struggled during their opener but the ceremony was acclaimed by the national press. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

There were mixed reactions to Qatar’s World Cup opening day in the gulf state’s media – with effusive praise for the opening ceremony and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and a somewhat more muted reception to the team’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ecuador.

English-language daily the Peninsula enthused about the opening ceremony, writing: “To the entire world and all those in attendance, it was a promise delivered in spectacular fashion. While hosting the World Cup is often a once-in-a lifetime opportunity, given the global interest in hosting the Mondial, the world can give Qatar a thumbs up for delivering on its promises.”