An estimated 5,000 England fans travelled to Qatar to watch the clash against Iran at the 40,000-seater Khalifa International Stadium.
Back in Britain, millions more packed into offices, pubs or watched from home to see TV coverage of the game, which kicked off at 1pm UK time.
England’s preparations had been overshadowed by controversies over Qatar’s human rights record, LGBT+ laws and whether captain Harry Kane would wear the rainbow armband, which was intended to signal respect for gay rights and equality in general. But fans in Doha said they were relieved that the action had started.
Mollie Vick, 24, and Lucy Hughes, 29, from Deal, Kent turned up two hours before the start to “soak up the atmosphere”.
Ms Vick told the Standard: “We booked a year ago so it’s really cool to finally be here to cheer on the team.” Her friend Harry Magachie, 25, was with Terry Miles, 56, his wife Jayne and their son Tom, 26.
Mr Magachie added: “We’re staying for 10 days at the moment but have tickets for the final in December.”
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 21, 2022 من Evening Standard.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 21, 2022 من Evening Standard.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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