Soccer-After rocky buildup, football ready to grab World Cup spotlight


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview -  Al Bayt Stadium Al Khor Qatar - November 19 2022  FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 branding is pictured on a shopping mall in Al Khor REUTERSJohn Sibley

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Preview - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - November 19, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 branding is pictured on a shopping mall in Al Khor REUTERS/John Sibley

AL KHOR, Qatar (Reuters) - Soccer took centre stage on Sunday as a World Cup shrouded in controversy prepares to kick off with a glitzy opening ceremony and host Qatar playing Ecuador in the first match to push aside the criticism which has dogged the showcase event.

Under a glaring sun, Qatari men in crisp white thobes and women in black shayla headdresses and abayhas began filing into the spectacular Al Bayt stadium designed to look like the tents used by nomads.

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