World Cup 2022

[jerseytoffee]

For that reason (and cost) we’re staying in Muscat, Oman. Flying to Doha on shuttles for each group game.

It looks very different to Qatar, with plenty of kulcha and sights on offer, plus we get a tip top hotel for a fraction of the crazy prices in Doha.

I lived in Bahrain for a year and did a trip to Oman. Muscat was nice and a lot more relaxed than other middle eastern countries.

Do a trip/tour of the wadis if you can, stunning little walks and can jump in the water at the end.

 

[Haydn]

I just cannot get excited by this world cup. Maybe because my beloved Swedes are not there? Maybe as it is being played in Nov-Dec? Maybe because the over-hype? Dunno?

As already stated, the atmosphere will never touch the 70s/80s even 90s. It is going to be as fake as it can be. it is going to be happy clapper fans who buy everything that is on sale to show how great a fan they are. This is what it must feel like to be a RS and you can shove that.

Bit harsh, I’ve watched Wales since we were properly shiz, as have many who are making the trip.

High points like having Bobby Gould as manager and Vinny Jones as captain, getting stuffed 7-1 in Holland. It was that bad, big Nev still got mom in that game.

Probably a bit different for us as it’s our first world cup since 1958, so the first in a lifetime for most fans.

There’s also the undeniable honour of Wales playing all our games at the awesome Ahmed bin Ali stadium, home of the famous Fierce, Al Rayyan. Hopefully their ultras stay away.

 

[helpimonfire]

Bit harsh, I’ve watched Wales since we were properly shiz, as have many who are making the trip.

High points like having Bobby Gould as manager and Vinny Jones as captain, getting stuffed 7-1 in Holland. It was that bad, big Nev still got mom in that game.

Probably a bit different for us as it’s our first world cup since 1958, so the first in a lifetime for most fans.

There’s also the undeniable honour of Wales playing all our games at the awesome Ahmed bin Ali stadium, home of the famous Fierce, Al Rayyan. Hopefully their ultras stay away.

I hope Wales do well mate. Happy clappers is aimed at the majority of the fans who will be in the stadiums for the games. It is aimed at the tourist brigade and that is how it will come across on TV. Who can afford to go over there and pay the prices for hotels, travel, and match tickets that they are asking? There will be fans who will go and support their teams, but I still believe those stadiums will have more tourist in them than real fans, and that is what those in charge will be happy about.

 

[Yank]

I think that’s a really good point.

I love football, I go to football 3 times a week. It’s just enjoyable.

But I guess as a person who does go to Internationalnaway games and a fair few club games over Europe over the season, for me it’s more than the football, it’s exploring the City, seeing different cultures, trying different cities cuisines etc… that’s what makes football great, unlocking the door to places you wouldn’t go to.

The idea of effectively being restricted to Qatar for a month is a nightmare for me, because where’s the variation?

That’s why 2026 and 2030 (if it’s the South American bid) will be incredible because of what I outlined above.

Each US region unique for its style and same goes for Mexico.

I didn't consider that aspect of it. I don't travel internationally because it's a flight to Europe or South America to see anything. I guess just being there is enough for me, especially when it comes to qatar, but I can understand and appreciate someone who'd like to delve a lil more deeply into the local culture.

 

[barneygumble]

I didn't consider that aspect of it. I don't travel internationally because it's a flight to Europe or South America to see anything. I guess just being there is enough for me, especially when it comes to qatar, but I can understand and appreciate someone who'd like to delve a lil more deeply into the local culture.

I love to see the world and if I can combine my two passions Sport and Travel to make something great then I will.

Qatar is the same size, if not smaller than Wales, and as good as Wales is to visit, it’s not somewhere I’d holiday in for a month. I researched it, and there’s pretty much nothing there, I’d have had to do what @Haydn is doing, and fly in, and then is it really being at a World Cup (no offence to Haydn like!)

But I appreciate your sentiment, but I’d kick myself if I went to Brazil in 2014, and didn’t go to see Christ the Redeemer and have some local Brazilian Cuisine.

I’d be just as passionate on a matchdsy, but outside I’d go see the world and enjoy it for that side. If SA gets in in 2030, I’ll be excited to take my little boy to see things like Angel Falls, memories which last forever.

Brazil-Argentina in Buenos Aires on the Monday, Angel Falls on the Tuesday sounds good to me.

 

[trueblue84]

I lived in Bahrain for a year and did a trip to Oman. Muscat was nice and a lot more relaxed than other middle eastern countries.

Do a trip/tour of the wadis if you can, stunning little walks and can jump in the water at the end.

Bahrain is great. Not been in years but looking to go back on holiday next year.

 

[TheBigIguana]

Seems like a very sensible plan.

The thing I hate about our bid is the venues. Arrowhead makes Busch look like a good footy venue, and it's among the stronger options because the noise level means it will have atmosphere. By and large, the matches will be played in a bunch of high-capacity, soulless stadiums designed to extract as much money from the corporate class as possible. On the plus side, none of them will be quite as bad for the purpose as the Citrus Bowl was.

I think that's pretty unfair. All of those stadiums will have a decent atmosphere when sold out. I didn't love the Arrowhead pick because it is pretty clearly only happening since KC is a strong MLS supporter but I think the matches there will be fine.

 

[wm02]

Bit harsh, I’ve watched Wales since we were properly shiz, as have many who are making the trip.

High points like having Bobby Gould as manager and Vinny Jones as captain, getting stuffed 7-1 in Holland. It was that bad, big Nev still got mom in that game.

Probably a bit different for us as it’s our first world cup since 1958, so the first in a lifetime for most fans.

There’s also the undeniable honour of Wales playing all our games at the awesome Ahmed bin Ali stadium, home of the famous Fierce, Al Rayyan. Hopefully their ultras stay away.

Up the Fierce! Yohan Boli is LIFE.
All kidding aside, have a great time.
I think you will get through to the round of 16

 

[Billy Dean]

I think that's pretty unfair. All of those stadiums will have a decent atmosphere when sold out. I didn't love the Arrowhead pick because it is pretty clearly only happening since KC is a strong MLS supporter but I think the matches there will be fine.

Loudest stadium in the USA apparently?

Can't wait for 2026. I'll definitely be looking for tickets, probably in the north east venues

 

[TheBigIguana]

Loudest stadium in the USA apparently?

Can't wait for 2026. I'll definitely be looking for tickets, probably in the north east venues

Loudest because of the design and Chiefs fans. That won't matter so much for a football match I don't think.

Also I'm not sure if it is actually there or Seattle but in either case it's crazy how much the stadium's acoustic design matters.

 

[Billy Dean]

Varane injued until the world cup. Could mean a reprieve for Maguire?

 

[TheBigIguana]

Varane injued until the world cup. Could mean a reprieve for Maguire?

They're going to make him play again. I don't think that's a reprieve

 

[Haydn]

Some good news today from Qatar, although it still suggests that organising stuff isn’t their strong point.

The Qatari ministry of health have just announced that negative Covid tests will not be required for entry from Nov 1st.

Up until a month ago the requirement was for visiting fans to have been vaccinated within the 12 months prior to entry, everyone scrambled to get jabbed in the recent booster schedule.

Then they recently changed it to no vax required, a pre departure neg test prior to boarding needed instead. Cue fan panic, protest at the cost and logistics involved, particularly for those on multiple matchday shuttle flights, predictions of chaos at departure airports worldwide and also on arrival.

Hopefully they don’t change again and I wont need this pile of hooky negative test certificates.

 

[mmmmsnouts]

Loudest because of the design and Chiefs fans. That won't matter so much for a football match I don't think.

Also I'm not sure if it is actually there or Seattle but in either case it's crazy how much the stadium's acoustic design matters.

Both, for similar reasons. Arrowhead packs most of its fans along the sidelines. Seattle's stadium does as well, plus they have a roof over most of the seats to protect from their constant showers in the cold months and reflect sound back down to the ground.

There are some pretty brilliant MLS grounds but as noted, too small for the World Cup. They typically seat between 20 and 30 thousand.

 

[wm02]

Taremi scored again for Porto in the CL.
Probably the second best starting striker in the England/Wales/Iran/USA group