Few people are better placed to compare and contrast the merits of World Cup hosts than Cayman football boss Alfredo Whittaker.
The former referee has attended the last five World Cups. After watching 22 games in Qatar, he gave the controversial, surprise hosts an unreserved thumbs up.
Here Whittaker gives his verdict on the tournament, the host nation, seeing Lionel Messi lift the famous trophy, and the lessons for Cayman from the tournament.
On Qatar as hosts:
The World Cup was totally different to any that I have attended before.
The atmosphere was friendly, you could walk around without fear of being assaulted, the high standard of the stadiums, the cleanliness of the venues, and the chance to get to know the culture of Qatar was really satisfying.
On the controversy over Qatar’s selection:
I think a lot of that controversy and criticism comes from countries that need to look more at themselves before criticising others. You come to Qatar, you do as the Qataris do.
On fan behaviour:
There was a little scuffle between Argentinian and Mexican fans, but nothing like what you normally see. We had a great experience travelling on the Metro, which was built for this World Cup, with other fans. It was a very different atmosphere and great for families. Qatar controlled who could enter the country for the tournament very closely.
You needed to have tickets, you needed accommodation. I remember in Brazil around 40,000 people turned up without tickets or hotels and ended up sleeping on the beach with nowhere to go. There was no alcohol and no prostitution, which you see around other World Cups. People could take their kids and have an enjoyable time.
On the opening ceremony:
My best memory of Qatar was being part of the opening ceremony. To be in the middle of the Brazil and Argentina fans at an event like that, They bring a different kind of atmosphere and energy to the game.
On Argentina’s victory:
The final was the best I have seen in a long time. I have been to three finals live and seen many more on television but I think this was the best.
I am not a supporter of Argentina but I was happy for it because I think the career that Messi had, for him to end with winning the World Cup is great. I love football and I love great footballers and each one should have that moment in life.
On Morocco’s run to the semi-finals:
I spent a couple weeks with the Morocco association and I got the opportunity to learn about the foundation they have put in place.
It is great to see what Morocco is doing and the investment it has put into sports. I think we will see more great things from Morocco in future. They have developed a massive centre of excellence that is one of the best in the world, and they have done a lot of work with schools and at youth level. I think they are going to have more success.
On lessons for Cayman:
What I personally take back is that we have to focus much more on youth development. We have to find a way to change the mentality of the players.
We have to teach our kids that they aren’t going to go straight to the big time. You have to work at it. Parents play a big role in that. We have to develop that mentality to work hard.
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