Some pics from England v Scotland Match

Today , my other half dragged me out to watch England vs Scotland Expatriates Football match. Seven years in Doha, never been to any of them. This is kinda of annual events. The first few missed matches in the earlier years of our stays we never went because son was really young. Being an Asian … anything outdoor is not my cup of tea (I slowly picking up the interest through those years living in the middle east though).

England Team 1
Venue taken in Al Arabi stadium … there were some confusion before. Some said Qatar Sports Club, some said Al Sadd, but today paper said it is in Al Arabi stadium.
The match kicked off at 2pm. The England captain is Tommy West … my son recognized him straight away. He used to teach PE in DESS but now works in Doha College.
Just after the match start, The Xonic rang me and asked where we are, I went down and found him and asked him to sit with us.
scotland supporter
england supporter
There was a big support turn out for both teams. Red & white and Blue & white was everywhere, flags, shirts, banners and even faces!!! The crowd were happy, excited, loud and singing.
England Team 2
Pre match entertainment was hosted by the MC who did a good job working the crowd up on both sides. A young ‘pop’ group played very well before the match and at half time. ‘Anthems’ were played out before kick off with due respect played to all three.
Doha College Band
Any match between the ‘Auld enemies’ Scotland v England is a competitive affair, after all, in this case, pride and bragging rights will be capitalized on until this time next year when it will all be up for grabs again. Taking into account Scotland’s well earned whooping of England last year 6-0!!! Revenge was in the air.
match 1
The match played this year lived up to the occasion, both teams battling for every ball, ‘take no prisoners’ seemed to be the theme on both sides, excellent football and good play from both sides. There was nothing between the teams,………… that was until the England captain got his marching orders well into the first half.
Tommy West, England Captain
The Scottish striker had just the England goalie to beat, Tommy West came up behind him and the striker fell. Well, ask any England fan, and he just fell over, probably couldn’t cope with the sudden responsibility of putting his team a goal up. Ask any of the Scottish supporters, and he was tripped from behind, a last ditch attempt to stop a certain goal . Unfortunately for England and Tommy, the ref sided with the Scots, and as it was a goal scoring opportunity, poor Tommy got his marching orders, though he obviously did not agree with the ref’s decision.
match 2
Captaincy was handed over, and when 10 man England went a goal down on the stroke of half time, you would be forgiven if you thought all was lost for the English.
But this was no lay down and die situation, and England knew, 10 men or not, they weren’t going down without a fight. Out came the English never say die attitude of the fans and players, every ball was there to win and a more physical game emerged, a few injuries, a bit of niggling and a lot of words bantered back and forth and soon the ‘skirt wears’ were reeling, 1-1 then 2-1 then 3-1 and all was well in the ‘sassanack’ camp.
Victory 1
Full marks for the Scottish team, they fought all the way, even grabbing a goal near the end, then re grouping for the kick off in less than 30 seconds hoping for another to force a tie and take the game to a penalty shootout. Alas it was not to be and England got there revenge for last year’s drubbing and can again walk tall, well, for 1 year at least.
Tommy and the team 1
An excellent match, well organized, brilliant entertainment on and off the pitch and superb sportsmanship from both sides as they applauded each other on receiving their medals and accolades.
Tommy and the team 2
Oh, and not to forget the officials who performed equally as good. Though I wish I could see a replay of the sending off ‘foul’
Trophy
At the end of the day, everybody was a winner, perhaps some more than others
crowd 1
crowd 2
Don’t think my 7yrs old really interested with the football … he enjoyed because he met loads of his friend from school.
england supporter 2
PS : The football commentary is credited to novita77 other half. Appology if it is appears a bit biased …………………… he’s a sassanack (whatever that is ... )