US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the current World Cup is historic as it is being organized for the first time in the Middle East, adding that he is excited to see how sport builds bridges of culture.
He pointed out that the US administration is engaged in what is called sports diplomacy, and uses sports "as a means to create a connection between people, and to create a link with our country."
He added, "We have brought Qatari players and coaches to the United States as part of an exchange program, and American players and coaches will arrive in Qatar within a few weeks."
On Monday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Doha to launch the fifth round of strategic dialogue between the United States and Qatar, and to encourage his country's team participating in the FIFA World Cup matches.
Secretary Blinken was accompanied on his visit by Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Affairs Elizabeth Allen, Assistant Secretary of State for Cultural and Educational Affairs Lee Satterfield, and US Special Envoy for Iranian Affairs Robert Malley.
Upon his arrival in Doha, Blinken participated in a sports party that included Qatari government officials, the Mexican Foreign Minister, and the Canadian Minister for International Development.
Today, Tuesday, in the capital, Doha, the fifth edition of the Qatari-American strategic dialogue will be launched, chaired by the Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, and the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken.
The dialogue is expected to address 12 major issues, representing areas of cooperation in the sectors of politics, economy, culture, education, energy, health, mediation, and combating terrorism, namely: regional stability, defense cooperation, public health, combating terrorism, combating human trafficking, as well as human rights, climate change, and energy efficiency. energy, humanitarian aid, and strategic investment, as well as economic cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges.
The United States considers the strategic dialogue an important opportunity to strengthen and coordinate strong relations with Qatar in many areas, including security, energy, global health and human rights.
The US President, Joe Biden, classified Qatar last January during his reception in Washington, the Emir of the country, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as an essential ally from outside NATO.
Wales snatch a tie against the United States
on the other side;
Wales' all-time top scorer and leading player Gareth Bale scored a late penalty to earn them a 1-1 draw with the United States in a thrilling World Cup Group B match at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium on Monday.
Each team dominated one of the halves, as the United States deservedly advanced 1-0 in the first half, through a wonderful goal from Timothy Weah, son of the former World Player of the Year and Liberian President George Weah.
But the tactical change of Wales after the break and the introduction of striker Kiefer Moore brought the team back into the game, allowing Bale to score a penalty in the 82nd minute, which he obtained after being fouled inside the area.
The match was held in a wonderful atmosphere, as the fans of Wales filled the stands in the face of the fans of the United States, who did not stop beating the drums.
Wales were lucky not to fall behind early on when Weah's cross was deflected off defender Joe Rodon and headed towards goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy.
Moments later, a header from Anthony Robinson went wide, in a good opportunity for America.
The United States took possession of the ball in the first half and besieged Wales in its half of the court without any trick to escape and pose a danger to the American goalkeeper in the absence of an outright striker who could move the ball towards the opponent’s goal.
Instead, Bill and Dan James returned to the midfield, with the absence of danger in the American goal, and whenever the Welsh players took possession of the ball, it quickly returned to the opponent, who deserved to take the lead in the 36th minute.
Christian Pulisic collected the ball inside the Welsh half, raced forward and sent a superb pass to Weah on the run to fire a shot past Hennessey.
Wales coach Robert Pegg made an important change after the break when he brought out the ineffective James and pushed Moore very tall, which was precisely what the Welsh team lost in the first half, so the match turned completely and surprisingly in favor of Bale's comrades.
Wales succeeded in pressing the American goal and twice came close to hitting the net when Ben Davies forced American goalkeeper Matt Turner to save a wonderful attempt before Moore fired a header into the goal.
Welsh pressure resulted in Bale being awarded a penalty when he was fouled by Tim Ream, who had already been booked earlier in the half, to equalize with a powerful shot to Turner's left.