I don't completely agree with this, Because winter in Qatar lasts for 3.1 months, from December 4 to March 8, with average daily highs below 26°C. The coldest month of the year in Doha is January, with an average low of 14°C and a high of 22°C. So this can benefit many countries competing for trophy.
Great if this is true. I landed there last year in mid October and it was 34 degrees at 3 AM and was barely breathable while standing still. Even a thought of running is impossible in these circumstances.
I already made plans of betting on African teams early on due to the heat conditions, seems like that won't be the best approach after all.