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As their talents quickly grew , the young Barshams also drew inspiration from the aptly named Aspire Academy , a Qatari institution renowned for its development of young athletes .
“ Aspire Academy is like our second home ,” says Mutaz , his brother adding , “ I wouldn ’ t be where I am now without the Academy .”
Coming from such an encouraging environment , the brothers were then greeted with fierce national support that has , at times , even helped tip the scales in favour of victory . This was the case in the Asian Cup semi-final when Qatar ’ s football team were exhausted and fighting for the win , explains Meshaal , “ When we heard the fans – it was the loudest sound I ’ ve ever heard ,” and suddenly a second Asian Cup victory was within reach .
“ When we reached the semi-finals [ of the Asian Cup ], I had this feeling ,” Meshaal recalled , “ I told Mutaz , you have to get me some glasses and I ’ m going to wear them in the final after we win the competition .”
And sure enough , in what became a now legendary moment in the sporting history of Qatar , Meshaal donned a pair of bright blue shades not only as his team won the tournament on home turf , but as he accepted the Best Goalkeeper award at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup .
Their father ’ s philosophy that ‘ Sport is life ’ has clearly been the foundation upon which Mutaz and Meshaal have built their extraordinary careers . In the end , it is their unwavering support for one another and their shared love for sport that have solidified this family ’ s legacy in Qatar ’ s rich sporting history .
Issue 13