FIFA World Cup 2022: Grand firework ceremony wins online fans' hearts

Fireworks fizzled and flared over Doha's sky on Saturday night as thousands of fans arrived in Qatar to celebrate the day before the opening of the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The throng gathered around the waterfront were mesmerised by the fireworks display, which included illuminated drones that said "Welcome to Qatar."



"The fireworks were amazing. I have never seen these fireworks in... I was in 25 events like this, the Players, Augusta Masters, I was at the Open Championship, I was at the Olympic Games at Rio and Tokyo, (I was) at the last world cup in Russia, but I have never seen this fireworks at any place in the world," Martin Bachiller, fan from Argentina told news agency AP.

Videos of the magnificent fireworks show have also gained a lot of popularity on social media.

On the other hand, on Saturday night authorities turned away thousands of fans from a concert celebrating the World Cup beginning the next day in Qatar, revealing the challenges ahead for Doha as it tries to manage crowds in FIFA's most-compact tournament ever.

Fans who were turned away often didn't complain. Large foam fingers, bullhorns, and blinking traffic control wands were used by Qatari police, security personnel, and others to direct the crowds outside the site.

However, the packed performance takes place before the rest of the 1.2 million fans tournament attendees make it to this little Arab nation.