There are many moments that come to mind when you hear World Cup football. Childhood memories of watching games, arguing with friends and losing titles to your favorite team. A vivid memory is the 1998 France World Cup. Since there was no TV at home, my father used to go to his friend’s house to watch the game. That’s why they didn’t take me along. Meanwhile, in the prediction competition held at school, I predicted one – Brazil, two – France and three – England in the order according to what my father said.
Then, one day, unexpectedly, Dad brings him along to play. The day of June 30, when England and Argentina met, is still remembered. When he left the house and went a short distance, the cobra that slithered along the road first scared him. Overcame all that and came home to play. By then the game had started. After a while, the initial excitement started to wear off. Then I fell asleep. After hearing shouts, I blinked and saw England’s David Beckham walking out after receiving a red card. Then I really started watching the game. England losing and Beckham being a tragic hero for a crime he didn’t commit was all touching. With that, Beckham and England became the favorite team.
Despite the lack of titles and achievements, love for the England team and Beckham grew from then on. Anger at Simeone turned into dislike for the Argentine. During the 2002 World Cup, making England’s flag out of her mother’s shawl and an old bed sheet, and fighting with her uncle over it, is another memory of fun. Beating Argentina with a penalty by beloved Beckham was sweet revenge for our generation.
The quarter-final between England and Brazil was on a Friday. England were leading by one goal before going to Friday prayers. However, by the time he returned after the game, it was a heartbreaking sight to lose 2-1. In the 2006 World Cup Wayne Rooney got a red card for a not so serious mistake and in 2010 the goal was disallowed despite the ball crossing the goal line. In 2014, when he was eliminated in the first round without winning a single game, he escaped from his friends only because he was not in the country. Even when England is plagued with defeats and misfortunes, the fan’s hope does not end.
In 2018, when the fight that reached the semi-finals ended, the work in Qatar was well on its way. The current wait is in the hope that the words of your friends in Dubai that you will be able to see the Englishmen win the cup in 2022 will be gold. Tickets for all the games up to the final are waiting. There is also a prayer that the dream that has been seen since 2002 can be directly seen blossoming. This time, instead of just being a spectator at the World Cup, he also has the responsibility of being a volunteer team member. My service is as Fan Service Volunteer Team Leader at Tumama Stadium. It often feels like all this is happening in a dream.
Qatar is gearing up to welcome the football world. Readers can also share their memories of World Cup football in Gulf Media ‘Memory Kick’. – Email [email protected], Whatsapp 5528 4913.