With time running out on our trip it was back to the Souk Market for the customary fridge magnet and keyring gifts for my Mum. Again there was a vibrant atmosphere as the locals made some noise for Iran while the Americans, though fewer in number, did their best to respond with their one and only chant ‘U..S..A’, ahead of the evening’s big game. Whilst observing the back and forth I treated myself to a sugar overdose of cheesecake, ice cream and sweets. A culinary treat but one that had me rushing to the bathroom minutes later to throw up.
A little worse for wear, I set off to meet Dan and his friends at Club 900. Once there, the only solution was Budweiser so a few were consumed as we saw the conclusion to Group A. Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly coolly volleyed home to secure their place in the Last 16 where their likely opponents would be England barring a disaster that evening.
I left Migsy and Casey as they made their way to the crucial decider between USA and Iran, a simple formula where only a win would do for the US and anything else would see Iran advance, barring any miracles in the England Wales games that is.
This is more like it
Finally on the metro there was a feeling of proper pre-match vibes, singing songs and entertaining the locals. Although our numbers and intensity didn’t quite match that of the Latin nations, it felt good to be heading to the match in a more traditional way. We arrived at the 45,000 seater Ahmed Bin Ali stadium where I was once again up in the higher tiers but at least this time sat with a few England fans around me. One of whom was working in Qatar and whose job was to make sure Goal Line Technology was working, not a bad gig. The atmosphere was greatly improved from the USA match but in such a comfortable position in the group the game certainly lacked the edge and jeopardy that raises the heart rate but I’m not complaining, more than happy to be cruising through the group stage.
FIFA failure
Before kick-off I tried to purchase myself an overpriced Schwarma and a non-alcoholic beer. With no cash left I tried buying with card. Given both my cards were Mastercard rather than Visa they were sadly declined. I was literally prepared to pay double the fair price for something I didn’t really need and FIFA were stupid enough to turn me away due to sponsorship deals. Oh well, not to worry, we were about to send Wales home.
Renewed rivalry
Wales were at their first World Cup for 64 years so just being there was enough for them to feel like winners. I’ve always been a supporter of the home nations and generally that still remains…but in Wales’ case, well, I still have vivid memories of their players fervently celebrating England’s 2016 exit to Iceland. It may be 6 years on but it was our first opportunity for revenge and there’s nothing like a bit of rivalry to add some spice to these fixtures.
England had the edge over their neighbours in the first half with chances few and far between but it was clear there was no Welsh miracle coming. Bale’s half time withdrawal seemed to spell the end of a glittering international career where he has been his country’s saviour time and time again. It didn’t take long into the second half for the Welsh fate to be sealed. Marcus Rashford whipped home a stunning Free-Kick into the top corner before Phil Foden added a second just over a minute later. England kept on pushing and several chances were missed before Rashford added his second and England’s 100th World Cup goal. In all honesty it could have been five or six but three was enough to leave England with the best record of any team in the group stage.
On to the next…
Up next Senegal and this comprehensive win left us feeling we should be more than capable of progressing. And an end of an era for Wales, a team that achieved so much with not only two superstars but so much grit, determination and passion as well as a fiercely loyal fan base, bouncing back without Bale and Ramsay will certainly be a challenge.
In the nights other encounter Christian Pulisic ended the Iranians defiant dream with the only goal in that game. A great moment for Casey and Migsy to finish their trip as they were soon off to the airport. Always a pleasure to meet up with these guys and we are already thinking about country number 15 together. For me, after being screwed by the Airline ticket company I finally resolved the problem, £300 lighter but my flight was booked. I spent my final day with another run around Little Venice and the beaches at the Pearl before relaxing in the pool. One final experience of Qatar’s culinary delights while watching Tunisia beat France’s reserve team and it was my time to head home.
Gutted to be leaving
For the first time in 10 years I was heading home from a major tournament before the England boys. I really would have loved to have stayed but personal circumstances and finances meant it wasn’t possible, plus TUFC had lost both games in my absence so that needed to be remedied. 4 years ago in Russia I was able to extend my trip beyond what was planned as the Semi Final ticket only cost £350 and accommodation was £10 a night. As kind as Dan was to let us stay I think 3 weeks rather than 3 days would have been taking liberties so I accepted my fate and boarded the plane. As much as people back home won’t believe, there was still so much to see and enjoy in Qatar but you can’t win ‘em all. Another adventure had come to and end