Tears of happiness filled the eyes of many Qataris celebrating on the streets of Doha on Thursday after learning that their country will host soccer's biggest tournament in 2022.The decision to award the showpiece event to a tiny nation tucked off the waters of the Arabian Gulf came as a surprise to many around the world, but for Qataris, it represented a chance for others to know them better.
"We are really crying from our hearts. This is like a dream. It means everything to us," said Khalifa Khalaf, an employee in the country's energy industry.
"We will prove to the world that good things come from small places."
Traffic wound around the city's seaside corniche and jammed its main avenues as revelers cheered and yelled.
"It's hard to speak, we're so happy. You cannot believe how happy we are. We're celebrating, because we are so proud of Qatar," said Ismail Taymour, a lifelong resident of Doha celebrating at a seaside park.
"It's a chance for everyone to know us."
Qatar took the honors for 2022 over rivals Australia, Japan, South Korea and the United States. They committed in their bid document to FIFA building nine new stadiums and renovating three existing grounds at a cost of around $3 billion.
"I'm just stunned, amazed. It's fantastic. We all hoped, but there are such large obstacles," said Briton Gavin Brown, an 18-month resident of Doha. "It's an historic result. FIFA have looked to the future. They've given it to countries where football can really be developed. It's very forward looking."
The decision makes Qatar the first country in the region to host a major global sporting event, and analysts said the win would do much to boost the region's global profile.
Others across the region shared in Qatar's triumph.
"This is going to bring a lot of football into the region. The whole world will be watching us, and this will change the view the world has on Arab football," said Mejo Jose, manager of the Safa Football Club in Dubai.
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