Two England fans from Lancashire will be delighted that they got to see England comfortably beat Iran 6-2 in their opening World Cup game. But struggling to find anywhere to drink left them feeling disappointed in the build up.
Alan Slater and Maxi Sherritt, both from Preston, spoke to reporters in the country today ahead of the Three Lions win saying that while everyone in the country has been helpful, the fan zones aren't what they thought they would be and many are struggling to find places to drink.
It comes after football’s governing body - FIFA - confirmed on Friday it had pulled plans to sell beer within the stadium perimeters. Mr Slater, 67, speaking in central Doha, told the PA news agency: “It’s what I expected it to be really – you knew before you came it was going to be dear. I’m a bit disappointed the fan zones aren’t open all day.”
READ MORE: LIVE Huge celebrations in Manchester as England hammer Iran in World Cup opener
He added on England’s chances: “I think they’ll get to the quarter-finals and that’s it. I can’t see them getting past France if we play them.”
Mr Sterritt, 63, said: “So far so good, they’re very helpful, the only thing is finding somewhere for a drink, we’re struggling for that.”
Mr Slater said their original plan had been to go to the fan zone at the ground before and after the game, adding: “It’s not just us, it’s every fan you talk to from all over – everybody wants a drink.”
Meanwhile fan zones in Manchester City Centre were packed with fans who watched as England fired six goals past Iran in their first Group B game. England's next game is on Friday (November 25) against the USA with fan zones and everywhere else expected to be packed out in the city.
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