I’ve seen some topics in the Voyageurs facebook group, but let’s have a more focused one here.  Of course for many a lot of this is contingent on Canada qualifying, but I assume some will go whether they do or not.  This isn’t a jinx either.  People need to plan a trip like this for various reasons where a lot of money is being spent.  I’m planning to go with at least 2 others.  So let’s get at it.
 

**Just before I post some information about it, I hope this thread doesn’t turn into a “I’ll never go to Qatar” or “a human rights issue” or whatever reason you may have against the hosts.  Those are valid concerns but the focus here is about travelling to and from Qatar, not whether they should be hosting or what they have done since being named hosts of the tournament.  My intention isn’t to marginalize that but I don’t want people to feel pressured, who are thinking of going, that what they are doing is something wrong. Let’s keep the commenting focused on the tournament off the field.

It’s widely known, by I have source at FIFA and he said expect the first round of information for ticketing to be released the second half of January.  The link below is the exact link for going through the tournament process for when you order. Keep your eyes on this link for the next month.  

https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022/tickets

Here’s another option that you can utilize immediately.  You can pick your own package for games, including one that is just Canada games.  Lots of perks here, but pretty pricy.  A ticket starts at $950 US per game.  It guarantees you a or all Canada game(s) if money isn’t a concern.  Takes a couple minutes to navigate this part of ticketing but it’s pretty straight forward.

https://hospitality.fifa.com/2022/en/

Lastly on tickets, no idea if going through the CSA with the Voyageurs could be an option for the fan sections in the stadiums.  Higher ups here would have to let us know on that one.

Accommodations has become a big issue as their is a growing concern about hotels, apartments, cruise liners, etc and their availabilities, plus how much they will cost.  As others have said, the Qatari government has basically blocked access to getting a place to stay from early November through the end of the tournament.  You can register here with FIFA about your accommodations going forward.  What it actually does for you?  Not much detail about that.  It lists a bit of info about your options.

https://book.qatar2022.qa/?utm_source=qatar2022.qa&utm_medium=referral

I saw this article last week that talked about prices.  Now this site, no clue as to its credibility, so take it with a grain of salt for sure but if the prices they show here are accurate for hotels and other details pricing wise, this looks a lot better financially. 

https://www.archysport.com/2021/12/thats-what-the-hotels-at-the-qatar-world-cup-will-cost-surprising-prices-soccer/

“BamS has an exclusive letter from the Ministry of Commerce to the hotels in Qatar. In it: The fixed maximum price that the hostels are allowed to charge for a room – broken down by category.

From November 1st, around three weeks before the opening game of the tournament on November 21st, the following maximum prices per night per room may be charged:

★ 5-star luxury hotels: 2133 Qatari riyals (approx. 520 euros)

★ 4-star hotels: 482 riyals (approx. 117 euros)

★ 3-star hotels: 438 riyals (107 euros)

★ 2 and 1 star hotels: 296 riyals (72 euros)“

“Therefore, around 60,000 private apartments and villas are also rented and several cruise ships are chartered, which are moored in the port and should offer accommodation for up to 10,000 fans. It is likely that these prices will also be capped.”

We shall see..

I’m not bothering with flights at this point.  Too far out.  I feel the priorities are tickets/accommodations.  
 

I hope others can add to this thread or make corrections on errors, and that we can help each other out.

Broadcast in Canada:
TSN, CTV, RDS, FOX (main over the air channel).

Canada's roster:

Belgium's roster:

Referee:

Injuries:

Belgium: Lukaku is confirmed out.

Canada: Eustaquio and Borjan are questionable. Davies told TSN he should be ready.

Weather Forecast:

I really do feel like the whole world wanted Messi to win.  OK, maybe just the people I talk to, but there was quite a feeling about it that it was expected, and that he deserved to win it based on his career.  I won't argue that, but think it's foolish that he would have a glaring hole without it, as if Cruyff is less of a player because he lacks the gold medal!  

But I'm left to wonder who will fill his shoes?  Who is the player out there who now deserves the title like Messi did.  My first thought is that it's Modric, but he's likely too old to really be considered (or maybe not!).  Essentially, I'm curious who the next 'Ray Bourque' is?  Which player out there will have so many people rooting for them to complete their trophy case?  

First up today Qatar v Ecuador at 11am ET

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/2022-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament-lionel-messi-kylian-mbappe-and-jude-bellingham-make-our-best-xi/amp/

Who are yours?

Right.  We're out.   GAWD DAMIT!

After playing spoiler on Thursday for Morocco (or Belgium for that matter, LOL), it's time to consider where various V's energy will be commited going forwards. 

That is to say, who will you at this point adopt as your team in these finals?  You know, kinda like we've all be doing for the last 3 decades.

I, for one, have had France as my darkhorse.  Going to park my love over there. 

And, oddly enough, with England.  Just 'cause you can't swing a dead cat around here without hitting ten people Eng-splaining the world of footie to you this time of year.  And it's just great fun tipping pints and poking holes in their world view.  If you don't know that already, trust me on this. 

Will hold a vote at The King's Head after our last match and see if we can come to a consensus amongst the usual suspects.

Discuss.  ☹️  

As the Qatar page still has the 2018 pdf in detail, we'll need to look for further information, but this is what we have.

In principle, the club is paid 10,000 US per day and player. This begins from first official release day, which I believe is today, Monday 14th. While I first thought the minimum was 140,000, calculating until Dec 1 gives us 18 days, 180,000. Perhaps the 140,000 is the minimum, two weeks call-up regardless of when your country plays its last match.

The sum is paid whether the player plays or not.

A new scheme allows clubs to officially request the benefits online: you apply for any player that would have been registered with you.

In 2018, the deal was that any club the player had been registered with in the previous two years could be compensated. This seems then to include loan arrangments, meaning TFC could benefit for Laryea, or Panetilikos for Cornelius. For Adekugbe, Valerenga and Hatayspor, but not Whitecaps. Besiktas would receive something for Larin. It also suggests that Valour would not receive compensation for Pantemis, as his loan ended in Septemberr 2020 if I'm not mistaken. Same with Waterman and Cavalry.

I have not seen the layout for 2022, but for example, in 2018 if a player had just played for a club from January to July 2018, that club was eligible to receive 1/3 of the sum. This means that the 10,000 player/day was the maximum, and would be distributed between clubs the player had been registered with the previous 2 years. The scheme on that document refers to splitting into thirds, calculated by signing periods.

A few clubs, or press related to them, have mentioned this question of compensation, such as St. Johnstone for Wotherspoon.

With CF Montreal having the most players (6), and us playing at least until 1 December, they are close to making one million, considering the Johnston benefits would go partially to Nashville. TFC has lost the Henry benefits, the Laryea are shared with Nottingham Forest, Kaye's are shared with Colorado. 

The maximum payout is 370,000 US if a player makes it to the final.

Borjan    5

Did not make a single save to keep us in games, and made a glaring error vs. Morocco.

Lack of leadership on the pitch from one of our captains.

Vitória    7.5

One of our most solid players. Could have handled some of those high balls over the top, but was not well assisted by his speedier mates. Kept his composure, looked to be a factor defending and attacking free kicks, cleared headers, and was smooth with his passing. 

Johnston   7

Had moments of strength and impressed, others he was challenged. Could have been helped more as was too often in isolation defending. Needs to fix little details, but has a strong upside for the future.

Miller    6.5

A solid player who is a bit slow, and not very smooth with his feet, nor particularly strong in the air. So has physical and technical defects that were slightly exposed in this World Cup. Plays flat-footed and slows down our play. We could use an upgrade in this position.

Laryea  7.5

While not starting and not always getting minutes, and being asked to do different tasks, he almost always was up to it. Stayed in the zone, was very focused, did not try to do too much, and then had his moments, especially going forward vs. Belgium. His reputation has to have improved after this venture.

Adekugbe   7

Similar to Laryea, but clearly not so much of an attacking player. If he was supposed to be helping in defense, the role was limited, though he is a very solid defensive player. I give him credit for a gutsy play that gave us our second goal at a World Cup. 

Eustaquio   7

Our best midfielder, but not his best game and a half. He did not get into his groove, and perhaps was not used as best he could be by Herdman. Is he supposed to be a DM, an AM? We did not see his best virtues. Won't overly judge a player who went down in the line of duty.

Hutchinson   7

Ups and downs. A very weak performance vs Croatia, exacerbated by Herdman not helping him out, was contrasted by solid play vs. Belgium and a near goal vs. Morocco. Has defects because of age, but compensates them, and then shows he still has something.

Hoillet    7

Did what we'd expect of him. Is not fast, but is smart, and if used right can be useful for us. Good set pieces, nice tempo in the middle, decent decision-making. Nothing special, but nothing to really complain about.

Kone   7.5

What can you ask more of at his age, with his experience? He was smooth in his first minutes, and even sharper vs. Morocco, mind you with them sitting back. Still not sure if he should be harnessing the back as with Croatia or attacking more, as seemed to be the task vs. Morocco. Nice tournament for him.

Osorio    7.5

Very effective player with a high skill level, intelligent on the pitch and with good decision making. Did not get to really show his full talents, but a fine tournament from a guy who has played little this season. Bodes well for his club next year--whatever that club may be. 

Davies  6.5

To much is given, much will be required. The goal was not enough to mitigate some very poor play, made worse by often blatant misinterpretations of his role on the team. Rarely beat anyone in speed down a flank, rarely dribbled effectively into attack, mostly lost the ball trying to do what he does not know what to do. Missed a penalty you have to score (kudos to him for having the balls to take it, and thumbs down for thinking he had to be the one to take it). The goal keeps his rating higher than it would be otherwise. 

David    6

Very poor tournament. The only time we saw a bit of his quality was when he was going into the midfield 2nd half vs. Morocco. Not clean shots, no creating chances for himself, not locking down defenders to create space for others, no work in the air. Not even that effective in the press, which is a virtue he has for Lille. He'll be disappointed too. 

Larin    5.5

Even less interesting than David, as he has even less ball skills and did not get on anything of worth. With Tajon taking on defenders, you'd think he would have made himself available; ditto with quite a few corners. Not the striker we hoped he would be. 

Tajon Buchanan     8

In my opinion, our consistently best player. Showed high maturity for his age. Took on defenders, beat them had great scoring chances he should have converted, was always a threat. Helped on defence, was a team player, kept his head up. Good further back, further up, left or right. Nice tournament.

Cavallini     6

Short sub appearance where he showed he has some use for the national team. But will probably be phased out.

Millar     6

Same as Cavallini. A left wing who would be a natural sub for Davies if Davies were our left wing. At least tried to be that player. You feel he needs to step up, he's not a kid anymore, he has to show more grit and be more determined because he could have gotten a shot away late vs. Belgium. Will be interesting to see how he matures.  

Wotherspoon  

Too few minutes to count.

????? I probably missed someone??????

Herdman      6.5

Made the right decision to take the Belgium game as the key match, and prepared it very well. The players went all in and it was not his fault we could not convert. But he is at fault for not leading when it comes to that penalty, and too many free kicks taken by players who do not deliver: you are Davies coach, he's not your boss; you owe it to the team. Did not get the best from our best players, mostly Davies, David. Seemed he trusted his staff little, as I can't believe anything they were telling him had much to do with what we saw vs. Croatia or Morocco. Also, has not solved basic problems we have seen throughout qualifying, such as no connection between the strikers, no real midfield harmony. Our shape was unclear and our virtues not always brought to the fore. Misplayed Atiba vs. Croatia and misread the Croatia match when ahead. Against Morocco corrected some weaknesses with his subs, but that is odd: the best set of subs on the last day when it did not matter. For a guy with big tournament experience with the women, blew it with the Croatia insult which was beneath him and us. As he often is able to correct mistakes, let's see it over the next year or two.

Broadcast in Canada:
TSN, CTV, RDS

Canada's roster:

Croatia's roster:

Referee:

Player News:

Croatia: Injuries - None. Players on a yellow card - None.

Canada: Injuries - None. Players on a yellow card - Davies, Johnston

Weather Forecast:

My next option (and possibly first depending on commentary) will be a stream of either BBC or possibly Fox.

Where to watch World Cup 2022 live in Canada: Complete TV, online streaming schedule on CTV, TSN
Kyle Bonn sportingnews.com November 19, 2022

So how will you watch?

500-1?  2000-1?

Broadcast in Canada:
TSN, CTV, RDS

Canada's roster:

Morocco roster:

Referee:

TBD

Player News:

Canada: TBC

Morocco: TBC

Weather Forecast: to follow.

Whats up with that? Can’t be CSA or CSB paying for their trips to the WC. 

Are these the “paid fans” that have been alluded to in the past?

Borjan. 7

Johnson. 8

Vitoria.  8

Miller.   9

Layrea.  8

Hutchinson. 9

Eustaquio.  8

Davies 5

Hoilett 7

David. 5

Buchanan 9

Subs 

Adelugbe 6

Millar 6

Osorio 6

Koné 6

Larín 7

Man of the match. Hutchinson,  he kept the team ticking like a swiss clock,  once he went out ,  Canada lost composure and leadership.

As we have a very large group on 27 November (over 100), the bar has asked to preorder our food for that day.  Please fill in from the menu the food you want to order by cob Qatar time on 22 NOVEMBER so we can provide to the restaurant the following day. I provided the drinks menu as well but just for reference. 

And sorry, we cannot add anymore people as they also have a group of 75 Spanish fans on that day so we are already slightly over capacity. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CMugkVYDiBRTZ5mDSgfUIhyRXJT_fhVUIYHJ0OR_qrI/edit?usp=sharing
 

There is no need to preorder for 23 November or 1 December meet ups

      Spoke with Dwayne De Rosario and Brendan Dunlop about My Life, released in 2021.  DeRo spoke a little about the World Cup as well as a host of other topics including his tumultuous time at TFC.  Feel free to comment, share or like.

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/sportslit-season-6-episode-13-dwayne-de-rosario-2011/id1299874254?i=1000587192311

https://sportslit.ca/episode/from-scarborough-to-the-world-dwayne-de-rosario-carries-the-beautiful-game-forward/      

For those in Qatar and wishing to join the march to the stadium for the Belgium match:

Meet between 19:00 - 19:15 Al Riffa Mall of Qatar Metro Station (gives enough time for people from Stock Burger and Canada House meet-ups to make it)

March commences at between 19:15 - 19:30 to Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium

Assemble to right of Al Riffa (West) Exit (see photos); we will drop a pin 📍 when we arrive from Stock Burger.  Be prepared for changes to assembly point due to security on the day.

We will then March to the stadium (see photo for basic route, actual route will be decided on the day depending on security and access ability)

For up to the minute details on the March while there, please DM me to join the What’sApp preferably well in advance of the day.

This will be posted on the Facebook group, the Voyageurs site, the main WhatsApp group and you can then also share in your sub WhatsApp groups for Qatar (eg. Ones you have for accommodation). CSA and TSN will be informed.

Some further details:

Take the marked exit when at the metro stop 

Thanks

Jason L (one of the Voyageurs based in Ottawa) has been working away to try to organize an event for Canadian supporters in Qatar.  It will be a lunch or dinner and the date will depend on what works best for us.  

Please see the added tab to the now famous (infamous) WC accommodations and tickets spreadsheet where people can indicate their interest and availability:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wvwVxCR-OaW-rJwSlwBrASuKP0Tjzz_JyLUp23aKDVY/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks to Jason for his ground work on this.