I was introduced to football when I was a child and grew to love it from the time I could walk, run, and kick. My first memory of international football was of Holland winning the Euros in 1988, with Ruud Gullit having enormous hair.
So being six years old and trying not to miss any football games was stressful, especially with broadcasting back then till a proper tournament was played on TV!! It’s World Cup Italy 1990, and I’ve been watching the tournament ever since. England was my team, and even after all the ups and downs, I still believe it’s coming home every tournament, and I’m still waiting for it to come home.
I first considered attending a World Cup match in 2002, but it was extremely difficult to make all of the necessary arrangements and bookings. 2006 wasn’t a suitable option because I was home alone all summer studying and working, so I applied for follow England in 2010 and luckily got them, but couldn’t travel due to the high costs. 2014 was too far away, and 2018 was too touristic, with many people I know going to the World Cup merely to say they went, and it’s a social media thing.
Qatar 2022 was so different, and I’m biassed because I adore Qatar, but I felt like this was the World Cup for me, and yes, I bagged four tickets to see England play, and what a dream come true!! Finally, I’ll be able to see my favourite team compete in the World Cup.
I was in Doha for 16 days, attending 15 games ranging from group stage to second round. From what I saw, I doubt it was the best tournament ever for any football fan to attend since everything was immaculate from the moment you touched down in Doha until you left. It is really simple to travel from one stadium to another. There was accommodations available. For me, game tickets were always sold at face value. Let’s see if I can fulfil another goal and go to the Olympics.
They call me zwaiz 