Jakarta, IO – An Indonesian boy, Ulul Albab El Ibrahim, was Cristiano Ronaldo’s child mascot (player escort) when Portugal played against Ghana in the opening match of Group H on Thursday (24/11). His parent reportedly works at a Qatari gas company.
“Ulul got a very special opportunity. As a player escort, he accompanied Ronaldo entering the pitch and stood by him when the national anthem was being played,” said Ali Murtadho, an Indonesian Embassy staff in Doha, reported Kompas, Saturday (26/11).
The presence of child mascots aims to promote football as a family-friendly game as well as part of a campaign to protect children’s rights and encourage fair play.
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The match ended with Portugal defeating Ghana with a score of 3-2, with Ronaldo as the team’s captain contributing one goal. (rr)