Talk of the town : First World Cup in Middle East
【明報專訊】The 2022 World Cup is taking place in Qatar from 20 November 2022 to 18 December 2022. FIFA has been organizing the World Cup since 1930 and this is the 22nd World Cup in history.
There are a total of 64 games played between 32 national teams in the World Cup, while the final match will be played on 18 December 2022. The mascot for the 22nd World Cup is named La'eeb. According to the organizer, La'eeb is an Arabic word meaning "super-skilled" player.
There are several things that make this year's quadrennial events in soccer's world very special – let's check them out!
First Winter World Cup
The previous World Cups have always been held in either May, June or July. However, as the temperatures in Qatar in these months can reach over 40℃, the World Cup is now being held in a cooler time in Qatar. What is interesting is that even in winter, the temperatures in Qatar are around 30℃, so it does not mean that the World Cup in Qatar is cool!
First World Cup in Middle East and Arab World
This is the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East and Arab World, as well as in an Islamic country. According to Qatar's law, it is illegal to drink alcohol in public areas. Therefore, it is also the first World Cup that no beer will be sold in the stadium. Spectators can only consume alcohol in designated areas.
There have also been some controversies for selecting Qatar as the host country, such as the corruption scandal, the issues of migrant workers and slavery allegations, and Qatar's negative attitude towards LGBT rights. Nevertheless, let us enjoy this quadrennial events in soccer's world!
■Grammar booster
Nevertheless
Despite what has just been said or referred to.
e.g.The exam was very difficult; nevertheless, he got an excellent result.
■Game
Converting the times
First match of the 2022 World Cup
2022/11/20 19:00 (In Qatar's time)
2022/11/21 0:00 (In Hong Kong's time)
Final match of the 2022 World Cup
2022/12/18 18:00 (In Qatar's time)
_______________ (In Hong Kong's time)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
quadrennial (adj) 每四年一次的
Islamic (adj) 伊斯蘭教的
scandal (n) 醜聞
allegation (n) 指控
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第361期]
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