(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Before a capacity crowd at Aspire Zone, Paris Saint Germain beat Esperance Sportive de Tunis 4-2 in the first semi-final of the Al Kass International Cup 2018 on Monday. Amongst those watching were French ambassador to Qatar, Eric Chevallier, and Tunisian ambassador to Qatar, Salah al-Salhi, and they were treated to a fabulous spectacle.
'We came together, the ambassadors of Tunisia and France, because we are supporting football first, and we are supporting this excellent tournament, Chevallier said, emphasising camaraderie over competitiveness. However, this did not stop him from celebrating when PSG scored their fourth goal.
Al-Salhi concurred, stating, 'It is a very big sporting event, and you see that the level of the game, and the level of the organisation of the event, is very high.
As the only overseas team to have competed in each edition of the Al Kass International Cup, PSG are well versed in negotiating the unique challenges of the event.
'I am always impressed by the organisation and the quality of the teams, Chevallier enthused. 'Really, Mabrook, I think it's really good. What is important also is to support the football played by young players.
Recognising the importance of the tournament, Chevallier added: 'It helps to promote football amongst the youth, and this is also an opportunity for the young Qataris who are playing at Aspire to be part of this event, and improve the quality of their football.
With Qatar set to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup, the Al Kass International Cup provides an exciting showcase for the nation's ability to host prestigious international sports events, and for its participants to excel in a highly competitive environment.
'It helps everybody in the world to understand that Qatar is serious in its commitment to football, said Chevallier. 'It's also important for these young players, as they need to understand that football is something which is shared by different people.
The VIP attendees were clearly impressed by the footballing fiesta, and by the calibre of young talent on display. 'My only regret is that I'm too old to play! joked Chevallier.
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