When talkSPORT sent me to the World Cup draw in Doha earlier this year, I met up with my friend Micky Gray who was already in Qatar.
He was visiting his former Sunderland team-mate Nicky Summerbee, who moved to the Middle East a few years ago. I’m grateful that Micky and Nicky took me on a whirlwind tour around the eight stadiums, they were great company and great guides for the trip.
As I was getting down to business and preparing for the draw, an idea came to me. I now had a good idea of the geography of Qatar, an understanding of the distances between stadiums. So I asked myself this: would it be possible to attend FOUR World Cup matches in ONE day?
The seed was sown, the idea wouldn’t go away, and once it was in my head, it was impossible to ignore something so exciting. One way or another, I was going to get there.
I played two games in one day with my son James in 2009 – and the results were spectacular! Peterborough 2 Leicester 0 at noon, followed by England 4 Slovakia 0 at Wembley. It will always be a special memory with my boy, so could I share this adventure in Qatar with anyone?
The obvious candidate was our English commentator Jim Proudfoot. We first met in the Abbey Stadium press box in August 1993 when Cambridge United lost 4-3 at home to Hull City, and over the years it has become clear that we all share two a real passion for football. I made the call and Jim came with no hesitation, but with doubts as to whether we could actually make it logistically.
So, with the World Cup just around the corner in November, I found a day where we could fit it into our busy group stage schedule. Saturday November 26 was the only day we could do it, so we committed to it and started working on the logistics.
First match: Tunisia vs Australia – kick-off at 10 a.m.
When the day came, Jim and I hopped in a taxi and made our way from our base in Doha to Al Janoub Stadium for Game 1 – Australia v Tunisia. The African fans were fantastic, they were there in numbers and sang with all their heart. But they lost. Stoke’s Harry Souttar was magnificent and Australia managed to win the World Cup.
The biggest problem for me was the scorching sun. I’m redhead and can’t stand the sun, so I covered up a lot and managed to avoid any problems. We left at about 80 minutes – leaving full time would have meant getting caught up in the crowd and not making it to the next game. And long injuries at this tournament would reduce travel time between games.
We decided to make ad hoc decisions on transportation as we encountered it that day. A massive queue for a bus or subway would change the plan. Taxis and subways don’t always drop you at the entrance, sometimes there’s a huge walk at the other end.
Even in a stadium like Lusail where you leave the metro station and the stadium is right in front of you, you still have 10-15 minutes before you can see the pitch when you go through security, negotiate the route through the stadium , waiting for elevators etc etc.
Match 2: Poland vs Saudi Arabia – kick off at 1pm
So, leaving Al Janoub, we had to go to Education City – about 17 miles. The first task was to board a shuttle from the stadium to the metro. The walk to the shuttle took a good 15 minutes, and suddenly time was running out before Poland kicked off against Saudi Arabia.
We then had our first shock – we calculated that a very smooth taxi ride would be faster than the metro. But the taxi ride was not smooth and we arrived 20 minutes after kick off.
Luckily, we didn’t miss any goals, we only missed three Polish yellow cards! Poland scored a goal, Saudi Arabia missed a penalty and Lewandowski took advantage of an error to score his first World Cup goal. At that point, Jim and I decided the game was over and we walked out.
Third match: France vs Denmark – kick-off at 4 p.m.
By then it was dark and Jim had a plan to make sure we got to Stadium 974 in time for Game 3 kick off – France v Denmark.
For the 10 mile ride, we took a cab and headed to a drop off point some distance from the stadium, but walkable. We entered at the end of the countdown to kick off – Jim’s plan had worked.
talkSPORT European football expert Andy Brassell was there and bought us each some much needed ice water – what a man! Mbappe scored a beauty, Christiansen equalized – then we went in the 82.
Two minutes later, as we walked briskly towards the metro, we heard the crowd roaring after Mbappe’s scrappy winner. Disappointing to miss a goal, but we both really wanted to see a full 90 minutes in the final game.
Fourth match: Argentina v Mexico – Kick-off 7:00 p.m.
The 21km journey to Lusail Stadium was easy on the metro so we arrived at the start of the Anthems. And what a game to end the day – the atmosphere created by the fans was amazing, it’s as if we could have played the game at La Bombonera.
And then the Messi moment every fan dreams of. A special and very meaningful goal from the great man, and on this huge stage. We all want to witness it before he retires, don’t we? So to have that in the 4 of 4 game in one day made it extra special.
The second goal wasn’t bad either. And the final whistle sounded and our mammoth day was over.
And job done! Four games in one day, probably never to be repeated. 11 miles covered, four aching legs, two very happy football lovers.
Jim was great company on the trip, it was very special to share him with someone I have known for so long and whose work I have complete admiration for. Even though he made me spill my drink on a Mexican fan as we sat down!
It is a day that will forever be etched in my memory.
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