Football

Wales defender disappointed by Qatar hosting 2022 World Cup

Wales defender disappointed by Qatar hosting 2022 World Cup

Wales defender Connor Roberts has revealed his disappointment at Qatar being the host nation for the 2022 World Cup.

The full-back played a key role as Wales qualified for their first World Cup in 64 years.

But it is a bittersweet moment for Roberts, who says the situation could have been made even better by having a different host, as reported by LancsLive.

Wales defender disappointed with choice of venue

Roberts noted that the 2022 World Cup may be the only opportunity he gets in his career to play in the prestigious competition.
And such a situation means he wishes the event was held in a different country, with Qatar a difficult place for fans, friends and family to travel to.

Wales’ Red Wall supporters have been key in the country’s journey to the tournament.

“I think it is a little bit disappointing that it is in Qatar as it is a long way away and not the biggest of places,” said Roberts.

“It is difficult for family and friends to come to, the first and maybe the only time I could play at a World Cup I would like all my mates and all my family to get there.

“That is the only thing that could be better. But I just want to play at a World Cup. I am looking forward to it.”

Roberts hoping for World Cup minutes

Roberts started the 2022/23 Championship campaign as a regular for Burnley, but his minutes have somewhat dried up lately.

The full-back has played less than 30 minutes in the club’s last three league matches, spending the entirety of the final game before the World Cup on the bench.

But Roberts is a regular for Wales, with the 27-year-old operating down the right-hand side for Rob Page’s side. He is aiming for a lengthy run in Qatar, and is looking forward to the opportunity of representing his nation at a World Cup.

“It would be nice to get out of the group, that would be incredible,” said Roberts.

“When we go away with Wales we are a family and it is the greatest competition for a national side to get there, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it and touch wood I get picked for a couple of games so I can say I have played at a World Cup.

“We want to go and enjoy ourselves and wear the Wales shirt at a World Cup.”

Wales

Wales meet old enemies England in final group game

There is, of course, the small matter of a Wales versus England encounter in Qatar.

The two British nations come up against each other in their final group game, and Roberts is ready for the highly-anticipated contest.

“All the games are going to be special, England is England but for us, little old Wales, we just want to go and play and enjoy ourselves,” added Roberts.

“England is our last game so if we are still in with a chance come that game then brilliant, but if not then hopefully we have given a good account of ourselves in the first two games.

“We don’t want to limp through and people be ‘oh they were terrible’ but we want to enjoy it and we have more than enough talent to put up a fight in all three games.

“We might not win them all but we will give it a good go.”


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