Middle East Report
A Middle East Report form a Socceroo Fan
Some friends of mine, Chris and Antonette from Cairns, traveled to the middle east to watch the Socceroos. Here is a report Chris Wrote for the GGA Fanzine.
OH MY SANDPIT, IS BIGGER THAN THIS
The Green and Gold Army made its presence felt during the Middle East double-header for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and Qatar. A core group of around 25 GGA stalwarts made the long trip to Dubai and Doha and were rewarded with being at the game, which saw the Socceroos safely advance to the final phase of qualifiers.
THE 100 DOLLAR CLUB
The challenges were there immediately for the supporters as no one had guaranteed tickets to the games before setting off on their journey. A group of GGA members decided to rock up to the Al Ahli Club stadium on the eve of the match to see if they could get info on ticket sales. This group was privileged to be invited to the Socceroos closed training session and negotiations with the club, saw them liaise with the Iraqi FA to sell tickets.
The joy turned to frustration as it was revealed the Iraqi FA had made the decision to sell tickets for Australians at $100 US, which was over 10 times the face value of the tickets for Iraqi fans. The Australian and Emerati media became very interested in this inequity and many interviews with GGA member ensued that night and the next day.
The Iraqi FA would not back down, so we purchased our tickets and all became members of the $100 club.
“I would pay 100 bucks, and I would pay 100 more, Just to be the man who paid 100 bucks to see the Aussies score”
SWEATING FOR THE SOCCEROOS
The game was played in unbelievable heat and humidity, and due to the preceding events, the tension inside the stadium was as thick as the climactic conditions. The GGA sang loud and proud all game, trying to drown out the Arabic music being blasted through the stadium’s speakers. It was a disappointing result, 0-1 to Iraq, but no one could question the Australian player’s commitment in the stifling conditions. We left the stadium dejected but were surprised by the friendliness of most of the Iraqi sup-porters after the match who were happy yet humble and wanted to get as many group photos with us as they could.
ON OUR SEPARATE WAYS
The next day we went on our separate travels, some staying in Dubai, others moving to such exotic locations as Oman, Petra and Cairo.
QATAR FA ROCKS
During this week, the GGArmy had negotiated with the Qatar Football Association for 800 free tickets for Australian supporters at our next WCQ in Doha. What a contrast to the week before! The ground work for this was done by GGA member Pablo Bateson, who’s constant calls and emails to the Qatar FA had gone a long way to achieving this great result.
THE WINDY CITY
We all arrived in Doha to be greeted by 40-degree heat, 50km winds, and sandstorms! A small group of GGA members once again were granted access to the Socceroos training session, and then to Pim Verbeek’s press conference.
The game day tension increased as we got news that Iraq had beaten China, to put the 3 eligible teams now together on 7 points apiece. A slip up in this game could very well mean the end of Australia’s 2010 ambitions.
The Al Sadd Stadium in Doha was nothing short of magnificent. The predominantly white background of the supporters in the stands, the constant music playing and white ticker-tape on the ground made for an imposing atmosphere. The GGA positioned itself on the fence near the corner flag, right next to the Australians tunnel, and once again we were in full voice to drown out the noise of the Qatari’s. The singing got louder as each of Australia’s goals were put away, the tense chants evolving into songs of celebration by the end of the game. A great moment when Harry Kewell scored his goal he came running over straight to our section and applauded us.
At the end of the game, long after everyone was gone, the GGA stayed on singing and chanting until the local police persuaded us to finally leave the stadium.
FINALLY
It was a magnificent effort by the GGA lads and lasses to travel to the Middle East to be part of this experience. It certainly wasn’t always easy, but the tenacity and determination of the crew paid huge dividends and everyone had a brilliant time with just reward at the end.
Finally, I have to mention Heather Kayatz who travelled from Australia to be part of this tour. She turned 70 the day before the Iraq game. We all know and love Heather, she is a GGA legend and sings as loud and proud as anyone else. She has now also touched the hearts of many people in the Middle East.
Thanks for this Chris
Tezza
July 01 2008 10:01 pm | General
