Programs & Events
Al Jazeera and Americans play a series of football friendlies at U.S. Embassy in Doha
From July 13 to 17, the U.S. Embassy in Doha hosted a series of football friendlies between a team composed of players from the Al Jazeera Television Network and teams representing the U.S. Embassy, composed both of Embassy staff and sailors from the USS Curts, which was on a port visit in Doha. The football friendlies drew nearly 40 players as well as a number of spectators to the field inside the U.S. Embassy compound.
The games were intense from the outset. In the first match, Al Jazeera took an early 5-2 halftime lead, only to see the U.S. Embassy team come back to tie the game 5-5 in the second half; eventually, a late three-goal flurry by the Al Jazeera team secured an 8-5 victory. In the second match, the U.S. team went into halftime with the lead, but again Al Jazeera came out on top securing a 6-4 victory, and a 2-0 record for the tournament.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, both sides met at centerfield prior to each game to take pictures together, shake hands, and wish each other good luck in the match. The games were competitive, but played within an atmosphere of goodwill, with both sides demonstrating respect for their opponents in offering encouragement and helping each other after a foul was committed. Following the matches, both sides once again met at centerfield to shake hands and thank each other.
While only one team ended up leading on the score sheet, by the sound of the final whistle both sides came away with a better appreciation for the other. Both the U.S. Embassy Doha and Al Jazeera Television teams agreed to schedule a rematch in the coming weeks.
Al Jazeera and USS Curts Teams