- Title: English fans gather in Doha pub ahead of USA match
- Date: 25th November 2022
- Summary: DOHA, QATAR (NOVEMBER 25, 2022) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF ENGLAND FANS IN BRITISH PUB SINGING WELSH FAN WATCHING FANS SINGING AND DANCING IN PUB FANS POSING WITH MODEL WORLD CUP TROPHY
- Embargoed: 9th December 2022 16:23
- Keywords: FIFA World cup Group B Red Lion fans pub
- Location: DOHA, QATAR
- City: DOHA, QATAR
- Country: Qatar
- Topics: Middle East,Sport,World Cup
- Reuters ID: LVA001218325112022RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: At the Red Lion pub in Doha, England soccer fans were in a partying mood as they prepared to watch their team take on the USA at the Qatar World Cup on Friday (November 25).
Hundreds of dancing and singing fans waved flags and World Cup trophies in one of the few premises in the Qatari capital to sell alcohol.
Many of the fans were very positive about their experience in Qatar, which is the first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup.
“Perfect host, perfect location, perfect space. Nobody could have imagined it could have been like this. It’s exceeded everybody’s expectations. It’s been fantastic,†said Mike Beker, from York, who had been to four previous tournaments.
"Okay, the beers are a bit pricey in certain places but other than that it’s been a festival of football. We had a great time. I’m not working for the Qatari tourist board but I have to say it’s been brilliant!†joked Colin Tathan who had travelled to support England from London, having previously experienced World Cup football in Brazil, South Africa, and Germany.
For Steve Morgan, a British real estate worker temporarily helping run the bar, some of the negative stories about Qatar in the British press have been disappointing.
"Yeah, it’s upset a lot of ex-pats here seeing the way it’s been misreported. Eighty pounds a pint has been reported back in the UK for England fans and Welsh fans. It’s not the case you know, you’re here at the Red Lion and we’re selling pints of beer here at 6.70 pounds, so that’s London prices," he said.
England takes on the United States at 1900 GMT on Friday, after beating Iran (6-2) in their World Cup opener.
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