DOHA : A new documentary, “81: More Than Just a Game”, was screened in Doha, chronicling Qatar’s remarkable run to the final of the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia.
The 52-minute film captures a defining chapter in Qatari football history, when the national U-20 team stunned global powers including Brazil and England en route to a silver-medal finish.
The private screening drew a wide audience, including diplomats, and was praised for its cinematography and use of rare archival footage spanning more than four decades.
The documentary positions the 1981 achievement as a turning point that helped shape Qatar’s long-term investment in talent development and sports infrastructure—efforts that ultimately led to hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Hassan Al Haydos, former national team captain, features in the film as a symbolic link between past and present generations.
Director Awad Jumaa said the project aims to inspire audiences of all ages.
“It’s a reminder that dreams start early,” Jumaa said.
The film, presented in Arabic with English subtitles, is written, directed and executive produced by Jumaa, an award-winning filmmaker with more than two decades of experience.
