MATT BARLOW’S WORLD CUP DIARY: Brazil are delighted to get the band back together

As the days pass until the World Cup kicks off with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador on Sunday, excitement continues to mount.

With all teams stepping up their preparations in the Gulf state, each country will leave no stone unturned in their quest for glory in the coming weeks.

In light of that, Sportsmail’s Matt Barlow is writing his latest World Cup diary from Doha.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup is now just days away from the start with Qatar vs Ecuador

Brazil excited to get the band back together

England has its dartboard, video game consoles and basketball hoops for recreation, but Brazil spends its free time with their Pagoda, a samba band.

It was a famous part of the 2002 World Cup when they last won the trophy, and the Brazilian media showed up in Qatar eager to know who was involved this time. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo told them he’s on the banjo, Raphinha on the tambourine and Dani Alves on the tom-toms. Richarlison, affectionately known as Pombo (pigeon), “just gets in the way,” he added.

Brazil have reunited their iconic samba band for the World Cup – it was a famous part of their triumph in the 2002 tournament

The mood at Budweiser is good, but the best buyers are yet to come

The mood at the W Hotel, where Budweiser is based in Doha’s posh West Bay area, was not as gloomy as expected on the morning after it became clear they would not be allowed to sell their beer to fans within World Cup matches. stadiums.

This may have had something to do with the fact that the company’s top executives were still airborne on the long-haul flight from the US and had yet to arrive in Qatar.

Strong Italian presence remains at the World Cup

No Italy in the World Cup of course, which is always a shame for the media (violins, please), as they always serve great coffee and pasta at the Italian team’s HQ. Italy, however, remains firmly in control of FIFA’s refereeing operation, with Pierluigi Collina chairing the official committee and Daniele Orsato confirmed as the man to lead tomorrow’s opener between Qatar and Ecuador. At least they have been wise enough to leave English referees out of the VAR mode.

England at the center of new interpretation of offside

There was a supporting role for England during Collina’s pre-tournament presentation in Doha, with Harry Maguire’s opener against Albania during the qualifying campaign cited as a prime example of a goal that will not be allowed under the World Cup offside interpretation . To refresh memories, Kalvin Phillips blocked an Albanian defender’s run on a set piece to free Maguire to head the first goal in a 5–0 win at Wembley.

The legendary Italian referee Pierluigi Collina chairs the official committee

Harry Maguire’s opening goal against Albania during the qualifying campaign has been cited as an example of a goal that will not be allowed under the World Cup offside interpretation