World Cup gives life to ancient streets

Souq Wasif is probably one of the most happening places in all of Qatar as it juxtaposes the past with the present and draws thousands of tourists every day for its eateries, artefacts and old buildings. It is a set of alleys lined by centuries-old buildings on both sides, with modern skyscrapers at one end and a river near the other.

It has been a traditional hub of trading in Qatar long before the country became oil-rich, but it went through devastation due to manmade and natural calamities before being restored to its present condition. The World Cup in Qatar seems to have brought a fresh wave of tourists to this place, reviving business in the region.

The place currently is abuzz with people of myriad nationalities -- eating, shopping, reveling and chanting slogans. Not every tourist is a foreigner, though, with local Arab and South Asian migrants making up a big number.

Must admit that the Argentines and the other nationals wearing Argentina shirts vast outnumber all the others. Hernan came from Buenos Aires with a lot of confidence in his side, especially in Messi.

"Argentina will win tonight for sure," the 50-year-old engineer said as he was about to leave the place to catch up with the Brazil v Croatia match on TV.

With both teams on the same side of the draw, the two South American giants may meet in the semifinals for the first time in a World Cup. Hernan, though, was not relishing that prospect at all as he admitted he 'hates Brazil soccer team but love Brazilian people.'

"I don't want Argentina to meet Brazil in the semis because anything could happen with Brazil. No matter who's playing best, anything can happen when Argentina meet Brazil -- look at the final of Copa America," quipped Hernan.

It was easy finding Argentines in those overcrowded alleys, but not quite the case to find a Brazilian even though many were wearing Brazil shirts, with most having Neymar Jr.'s name on the back. After quite a few knocks on the wrong doors, Eduwardo Assef came to the rescue of this reporter.

Assef, a 34-year-old from Sao Paulo, was more welcoming to the prospect of meeting Argentina in the semifinals.   "It's a great game – most classic game in football. I would say Brazil v Argentina, with Brazil winning," Assef said.

Outnumbered but certainly not outvoiced, there was a band of Croatian fans who were catching all the limelight and drawing camera clicks, relentlessly chanting a catchy Croatian football song in high-pitched tune. There were the odd Mexican, Colombian, English of course, and many others.