Scotland not qualifying makes life so complicated. I have reasons to support both USA and Wales but, can’t really get behind either. But on balance I claimed “Celtic” nation and put on the Welsh strip. Which was all good and well until a Mexican TV crew (yeah really) noticed Dave and me in opposing jerseys and asked if they could interview us. Dave of course was very eloquent and knowledgeable about team USA. I on the other hand had nothing on team Wales other than to blather on about Garath Bale. Found out!! Still, the journey to the stadium is always a real highlight of a World Cup game. Even met up with some Quakes fans, my MLS team.
The whole thing is very well organized. Efficient metro system, well designed stadium, friendly staff. Dave was particular taken by the ticket delivery system – you only received the ticket, by Bluetooth, when you got near the stadium. Say what you like about FIFA but they try hard to avoid a black market – if anyone’s gonna screw anyone it’s only gonna be FIFA: no one else
If anything the journey was too efficient. We were in the stadium 2 hours before the game! Which is a long time with no beer! I’m trying to be ambivalent about the no beer thing. But there comes a point where you just NEED a beer! And this was that point. I get the whole respect your host’s culture thing. But there’s also being hospitable to your guests! That said, it’s telling that of all the socio political issues that could be the focus of attention here, the beer embargo gets the most. It is funny though that by far the most vocal are the English! Lol. (at some point I need to address the elephant in the room about Qatar/FIFA/corruption and all that. But for now I’m still thinking about it). But beer or no beer, walking into a World Cup stadium gives me a chill every time!
It wasn’t long before the stadium started to fill up. Actually two REALLY REALLY good sets of fans. Great energy and rivalry but I have to say the Welsh, unsurprisingly, won the sing-off. Those boys can sing! The Welsh national anthem was a highlight I’d been anticipating- it didn’t disappoint
England were the big winners from this game. A lot of effort from both teams but not a whole lot of quality and too few chances. On this performance, neither will trouble England to win the group. So, barring some upset, it will come down to maths to decide if USA or Wales qualify in second spot. Goals conceded to England and scored against Iran. The coaches have some decisions to make!
Really lovely experience with two wonderful sets of fans. This is my little mate, Harry. I sat next to him and his dad for the game. Harry lived every second of the match. The look on his face when Bales stepped up for that late penalty was fantastic. Lifelong memories made! This is what it’s all about!!!!
And then it was time to head back. I’d expected the return journey to be pretty bad. Shepherding 42,000 fans onto the metro could have taken all night. But,no, we were on the train and back in town within an hour and a half. It helped we had some entertainment as we waited.
Al-danny boy, the pipes the pipes were calling. I always knew that Scotland, of course, didn’t invent the bagpipes. They originated in this part of the world. Didn’t know how similar they looked and sounded though. Nice to have a little sense of home right here in the desert!
What! Scotland Qualified!!! 