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).
[img_assist|nid=100634|title=England Team 1|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100656|title=scotland supporter|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
[img_assist|nid=100639|title=england supporter|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100635|title=England Team 2|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100633|title=Doha College Band|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=465|height=311]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100636|title=match 1|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100637|title=Tommy West, England Captain|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100638|title=match 2|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100640|title=Victory 1|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100642|title=Tommy and the team 1|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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.
[img_assist|nid=100645|title=Tommy and the team 2|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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’
[img_assist|nid=100646|title=Trophy|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
At the end of the day, everybody was a winner, perhaps some more than others
[img_assist|nid=100648|title=crowd 1|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
[img_assist|nid=100650|title=crowd 2|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
Don’t think my 7yrs old really interested with the football … he enjoyed because he met loads of his friend from school.
[img_assist|nid=100652|title=england supporter 2|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
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 ... 
)
that comment would have made sense 5 months ago.
wow nice pics Novi..
Thanks again for sharing them
my face feels raw to the cheek. being rubbed against that ridiculous sosohuman banner. What are you? A freak?
thanks for sharing novita
"Pain is weakness leaving the body." USMC
Forgiveness is life...:)
Tommy,
I have sent you a PM with the link of all the photos.
Regards,
Novita
Hi Novita,
Would it be possible for you to email me all of the photo's that you took on the day of the game? I am trying to collate as many as I can so that I can get them out to all of the players.
Thanks,
Tommy West ([email protected])
the weather sholud be warmer then but you never know, lol
enjoy the cold Lima ... we going home to the UK end of June ....
That was the word I was trying to think of (hijack) but the cold weather in the UK has frozen my brain, lol
QT - This is Gospal Truth :)
Lol ... no problem ... hijack as much as you want. Football is the most boring sports on earth
for going off the subject. I do really like reading your stories and the pics are always spot on!!!!!!!!
Off the subject, thanks for the tip on where to get marmite :)
Somehow, I don't believe you! LOL
QT - There are plenty of Marmite in Neth Sri Lanka shop. cheeper than Megamart :)
I appreciate it! LOL
QT - I drink Marmite mixed with Hot water and Lime. Quite like it. Try That :)
QT ... megamart selling marmite (if they have it in stocks) ... next time i go shopping if i see one i will get it for you ...
QT, will have to see about that!!!!!!!!!!!!. I do like sharing but MY marmite, not soo sure about that, lol
marmite ??? Yucks !!!!
Seriously, I agree! I love it! Please bring some back. We can share!
Ilove marmite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sooooooo good on toast, lol
Could you bring me back some Marmite? LOL
I'm in the UK. :)
i just love to see men in their kilts...........
life's too short so make the most of it, you only live but once.......
Vietnamese football puts me to sleep! It's really that bad!
You on holiday again ???
I always seem to miss the great events when i'm on holiday. Enjoyed reading & the pics were great.
Alphabattle ... a friend of mine just told me the story that one of his friend walked from sea line resort to inland sea last weekend ... 9 hrs walked , camped there and walked back the next day.
In this weather ? Nuts !
good work! Well done England.
Going to a football match ain't exactly massive "outdoors" stuff.
How about camping, a day out walking, a weekend in the hills, biking for the day etc etc Not that those are particularly easy to do here! That sort of thing is real outdoors!
In the UK, going to the football would be seen as much an indoor activity as an outdoor one (ie sitting in stands etc etc!). Hardly the great outdoors!
But good report!
xyned ... i am sorry if you have the wrong impression about my post. I dont have any inferiority complex whatsoever. OK ... you can call me an indoor person ... i admit that ... but then something got to give when it comes to family outing. Hence i wrote that i went out to the match because my other half dragged me out . Fortunately we sat under the shade and the weather is not really that hot ...
ah ... i agree some expats are snob ... but then i just keep away from them. There are enough people in Qatar to choose to be friend with ...
novita... Being asian doesnt just make you an indoor person. Tell it as it is.. Say that "I AM AN INDOOR PERSON". Either way. You are telling that you are an asian. What is this INFERIORITY COMPLEX. any local public event is for everyone to enjoy. been to one in 2005 myself. not too bad. The standard was just ok for expatriates cup. The guys we were sitting next to were mumbling things about us. How racist can you get. i live in oz and its great. The aussies are not as snobbish as the scotts. Neither are the irish or brit residents here as snobbish as the ones in qatar.
GREAT SCOTT.
which one is the biggest joke? England v Vietnam ?
It's ok. I support England cos the Vietnamese team is a joke! LOL
....erm... actually, so is the England team!
QT ... since you raise in the UK, do you like english football ?
Thanks novi, u r the best :D
IF EVERYONE WAS TO TAKE AN EYE FOR AN EYE, THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD'VE BEEN BLIND TODAY - MAHATMA GHANDI
It looked like a great day!
I hv posted your photo on FB ... go and tagged yourself lol.
Oh i found Jermain (the friend i told u about) lol.
IF EVERYONE WAS TO TAKE AN EYE FOR AN EYE, THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD'VE BEEN BLIND TODAY - MAHATMA GHANDI
Hey i thougth u took a picture of me hahahah :P, Novi plz upload them on FB too, i'll take the rest of them from u later on :)
IF EVERYONE WAS TO TAKE AN EYE FOR AN EYE, THE WHOLE WORLD WOULD'VE BEEN BLIND TODAY - MAHATMA GHANDI
"novita, great pictures and great comments- for the first time I wished
I would have been there :) - thanks to you- so next year you will see
me there also."
---> Vignale, yes see you next year...
@ nadt, SG and dandy ... thank you for your kind words.
i will give you 100 QL points for you!! (but i cannot do that...) ehhe.
just want to say, great job on the pics.
****************************************
PEACE NOT WAR FOR 2008!
< www.applei.ph/one/ >
can i nominate you for the offical QL Housefotograph?
;-))
it is always amazing to see your pics.
Thanks again for sharing them
*When hands reach out in friendship, hearts are touched with joy*
http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/home
wow nice pics Novi..ur really good at it, they are fantastic...
Lol ... thank you PM.
there you go ....
[img_assist|nid=100679|title=bag pipe|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=|height=0]
Happy ???
No Scottish skirts and bagpipes?
HINDI KA TIGASIN.
novita, great pictures and great comments- for the first time I wished I would have been there :) - thanks to you- so next year you will see me there also.