04:14Qatar: 'It's gonna be an awesome game' - Iranian fans 'pumped' as England expectations 'not high' ahead of World Cup clash
Iranian and English football fans gathered in Doha on Monday, just hours before the match-up in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with those backing the group B favourites seemingly less optimistic about their chances.
"I think it's important to start well because expectations I don't think are very high," said one England fan. "We need to start well to show that we can go further in this tournament otherwise the negativity might take control if we don’t start well against Iran."
Footage features supporters of the two teams waving flags and strolling along Souq Waqif market in downtown Doha. Flags of the USA, Brazil and Japan, as well as Brazilian fans, could also be seen.
"England is playing against one of the strongest teams in the tournament. They are very nervous, but they should be ok, we won't humiliate them," joked Iranian fan, Kam Raoufian. "Kidding aside, we are excited about the game, we are here for the beautiful game and may the best team win."
"We have seen a lot of Iranians over the last couple of days, they are all pumped," continued Raoufian. "It’s going to be an awesome game," he predicted.
Another England supporter commented on media reports about alcohol restrictions in the country.
"We just like to enjoy being out and watching football, that’s why we’re here. So, yeah, it’s great if you can go to a bar but it's not the be-all and end-all," he explained. "It’s no problem for us."
Political tensions between Iran and Western countries have been heightened following protests across the country, while the group also includes the USA.
England-Iran will be held at Khalifa International Stadium, while the USA take on Wales at Al Rayyan Stadium afterwards.
04:14Iranian and English football fans gathered in Doha on Monday, just hours before the match-up in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with those backing the group B favourites seemingly less optimistic about their chances.
"I think it's important to start well because expectations I don't think are very high," said one England fan. "We need to start well to show that we can go further in this tournament otherwise the negativity might take control if we don’t start well against Iran."
Footage features supporters of the two teams waving flags and strolling along Souq Waqif market in downtown Doha. Flags of the USA, Brazil and Japan, as well as Brazilian fans, could also be seen.
"England is playing against one of the strongest teams in the tournament. They are very nervous, but they should be ok, we won't humiliate them," joked Iranian fan, Kam Raoufian. "Kidding aside, we are excited about the game, we are here for the beautiful game and may the best team win."
"We have seen a lot of Iranians over the last couple of days, they are all pumped," continued Raoufian. "It’s going to be an awesome game," he predicted.
Another England supporter commented on media reports about alcohol restrictions in the country.
"We just like to enjoy being out and watching football, that’s why we’re here. So, yeah, it’s great if you can go to a bar but it's not the be-all and end-all," he explained. "It’s no problem for us."
Political tensions between Iran and Western countries have been heightened following protests across the country, while the group also includes the USA.
England-Iran will be held at Khalifa International Stadium, while the USA take on Wales at Al Rayyan Stadium afterwards.