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.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 21, 2022-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 21, 2022-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
