The FIFA World Cup is quickly approaching, and the nations who have qualified for the prestigious game are preparing to put their best foot forward. While countries plan their strategy for the competition, Argentina and Uruguay are devoted to keeping their players motivated, bringing a combined 2,000 pounds of meat to Qatar so that their contingent does not miss eating at home.
Why Argentina and Uruguay brought 2,000 pounds of meat to Qatar
Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) head Ignacio Alonso outlined their fairly peculiar team strategy in an unconventional statement. “The national team is being accompanied by the best nourishment. The AUF is a historic ambassador of our country and will take with it another ambassador, which is Uruguayan meat, the best meat in the world,” Alonso said.
Uruguay hopes to win the FIFA World Cup this year, and it’s not just the players who are working hard. Conrado Ferber, President of Uruguay’s National Institute of Meat (INAC), and his team are going above and beyond to provide their players with the best meat possible while keeping their spirits high.
“We want to convey the quality of the product, natural and sustainable, and the World Cup is the optimal time to do so for our players,” Ferber said in an interview.
Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of Argentina, underlined the importance of the dish. “My favorite food is asado, but it is much more than that. It’s part of our culture, an Argentine quirk. We get to talk, laugh, relax, and connect during that time. It’s not always about the meat, though we enjoy it. It is to be a part of a group and the bonds that it creates,” Scaloni said.
In the World Cup in Qatar, both nations will look to put up their finest football performances. On November 22, Argentina’s superstar Lionel Messi and his team face Saudi Arabia to open the tournament. On November 24, Luis Suarez and Uruguay face South Korea.