Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Jalal Murad’s daily soft drink craving has finally paid off as the football fan has won two tickets to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia courtesy of a regional raffle competition staged by one of the competition’s global sponsors, writes Mai Al Khatib-Camille.
The Coca-Cola Company, a FIFA partner, this month launched a six-week-long Under the Cap World Cup promotion offering soccer-lovers a variety of instant gifts, plus an opportunity to participate in an online raffle to win a treasured trip to the Finals …and the 33-year-old doctor was the first to nab a coveted golden ticket.
The father-of-three was suddenly woken from his slumber after working the night shift at Salmaniya Medical Complex’s emergency ward to receive the news … it wasn’t a nightmare alert to come back to work but a footy dream turning into reality.
“I saw the posters for the promotion at Lulu Mall in Hidd where I pick up my Coca-Cola Zero from. I drink at least two-a-day and entered the online raffle competition.
“I didn’t think I’d win but thought, why not? When I got the call, at first I thought it was a delayed April fool’s joke being played on me by a friend,” Jalal said.
“The Coca Cola representative then insisted that I had truly won two tickets to spend three-days in Russia and watch one game and that it wasn’t a prank of any sort. I couldn’t believe it and was so excited!
“I rarely have time to watch football, or any sport for that matter, due to my work commitments but I do love football and Inshallah I will get to go to Russia. I have two passes and a large list of friends to choose from so I’ll have to conduct my own internal raffle and see who will get the chance to go with me.”
Jalal all-expenses paid trip starts runs from June 29 to July 2 and will include a three-night’s stay-for-two, transportation from the airport, hotel and the opportunity to watch ‘Game 51’ playing on July 1 in the last 16 knock-out stage.
Although it would be a dream come true to watch his favourite team, Portugal, in the quarter finals, he doesn’t have high hopes, even with superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo in the side. He said: “They had a much stronger team back in 2006 and while they still have good players, I don’t think it’s the same this year. I would love it though if they do make it and win the trophy.”
Portugal, the current European champions, booked their spot in Russia after narrowly finishing top of Europe’s Group B on goal difference, edging out Switzerland on the final day to avoid the play-offs.
The national team will be playing in Group B against Spain, Morocco and Iran. Jalal started supporting Portugal because of his admiration for talisman Ronaldo who remains tormented by his team’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup Finals in Brazil at the group stage.
This summer’s contest, with 32 nations vying for glory, kicks off in Russia with the hosts playing Saudi Arabia.
Jalal wishes Bahrain’s neighbours the best of luck as does Eman Al Madani, 45, and her husband Isa Alawadhi, 50, who works at Al Areen Wild Life Park, as they too will be flying out to Russia to watch a game thanks to her shopping skills.
Eman also won two tournament tickets too after participating in a draw conducted by Majid Al Futtaim, owners of City Centre Bahrain. The shopping destination partnered with Visa, to offer 14 lucky fans around the region the lucky chance to watch the football action live.
The FIFA package includes flights and accommodation in Russia for four nights, with tickets to attend group stage matches.
Eman, who lives in Sanad with her children, Salman,17, Ahmed, 15 and Noora, 10, students of Creativity Private School, will be flying out with Isa from June 23 to June 27. She said: “I was shocked and so happy. All that shopping with my VISA card worked I guess! Although my husband and I are not major football fans, this is a wonderful chance for both of us to experience something out-of-this-world that many can only dream about.
“We are both looking forward to going and although we will not be watching Saudi Arabia play the opener, we pray they win and hope to watch them while we are there.”
