Qatar opens Mideast’s first football World Cup

 

AL KHOR (Qatar), 

QATAR on Sunday opened the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup before global leaders and soccer fans who have poured into this energy-rich nation after it was battered by a regional boycott and international criticism.

With American actor Morgan Freeman’s dulcet voice and an Arabian theme with camels, the opening ceremony began with a promise of “everyone is welcome.”

Regardless of the outcome of Qatar versus…