BRADFORD City fans following England abroad at the World Cup are relishing the unique setting and one supporter described Qatar as "an amazing experience”.
The Three Lions are sat on four points with one game left to go in the group stage, after beating Iran 6-2 last Monday and drawing 0-0 with the USA on Friday of that week.
It has been a tournament of shocks, thrills and controversies – relating to the venue for the World Cup and its timing of it.
But Gareth Southgate’s men close out the first stage of their campaign against Wales later today knowing a draw will definitely see them through to the round of 16.
A contingent of Bantams fans will be at the game, with three of them - James Marsh, Gavin Meakin and Luke Bowers - joining the group last Thursday ahead of going to the USA match.
Mr Marsh said: “The atmosphere at the game was great with the excitement been the first game.
“The ground was the furthest one away but there were no issues in getting an Uber to the ground and the taxis are so cheap.
“The second half became a little flat but that was down to the performance.”
The group has been taking in all Qatar and the Middle East has to offer since the last game, as they eagerly await the next matchday.
Mr Marsh, Mr Meakin and Mr Bowers even bumped into a legend of the game and Bantams old boy – Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer - when out for a round of golf yesterday.
Mr Marsh said: “We’ve had a round of golf, beautiful course.
“Drinking in sports bars, eating nice food and sightseeing.
“We also attended the dreamland festival and quad biking in the desert.
“The whole experience has been unreal, can’t fault it.”
He added: “It was always going to be different, we knew that but we planned a good itinerary and it’s been nothing but fantastic.
“We’ve watched and travelled the world watching England away for eight years and we can honestly say Qatar has being an amazing experience.
“Everyone is friendly and welcoming and there’s a system in place for everything.
“Getting a beer hasn’t been a problem and having all fans in one central location will never happen at another World Cup so we’re embracing it.”
And what of England’s fortunes later today?
Mr Marsh said: “Confident despite the last performance.
“Any of our starting 11 out of our squad should be enough to dismantle Wales.
“We just need to be on it from the off.
“We are confident we can top the group and send the Welsh home packing.”
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