Just curious to know what your experience has been like over there Agostino? I too am like you, my blood boils at any reminder that Qatar won the right to host a World Cup - it's like as Sepp and co get older they care less and less about hiding their atrocious style of governing world football.. But I am still curious to think ahead of how the actual Cup will play out. Being the only person I have contact with who has actually been to the country, how do you think the World Cup experience will be for visiting fans?
Its not a bad place - but certainly not the most exciting city in the world. I say city because there's not really anything outside of Doha. Lusail where the cup final will be held is essentially an outer suburb anyway.
I suspect much will change here in the next 8 years. Infrastructure is pretty poor currently, but the rail is being installed now (but won't be ready for several years) and there's construction everywhere. No fucking way the cup could happen in the summer though. The heat is just so oppressive.
Accommodation is seriously expensive here and I suspect it will be even worse in 8 years time. All in all though its not a bad place - I could stay here long term I guess (and possibly will, depending on whether my work permit for Kazakhstan comes through soon). You can drink here, but only in hotels and its very expensive (approximately $12-$15 for a bottle of beer) but I suspect they'll have to make some exceptions during the world cup and setup wet fan zones or something.
Apart from the obviously dodgy way the bid was won, I've softened a little on the idea of the WC being held here. IMO it would have been better to have spread it out over a few different places (ie Abu Dhabi, Dubai and some others too maybe) mainly because the whole tournament will be played in 1 city, although that may bring with it some added benefits as far as the atmosphere goes.
All in all, I think it will be fine for fans here, provided its not held in the summer.