SecretSam

No, it was worse Imagine waiting in anticipation for ten years for...that

Qatar's coach really looks like Steve Clarke

What. A. Miss.

This is not going to end 11 vs 11

Living up to the standard of every wc first game ever.

What's the pen going to be ruled out for

For bribes

Or you could just not drink?

Sure fire way to get arrested. Alcohol can only be consumed in permitted areas (eg hotel bars) Same in Qatar.

Probably popular because it's one of the things the parping clowns of the England band can play. The talentless c**ts

Following his heroics on Saturday, is a reappraisal of O'Leary required? He seems to be the main man now

Shit

You mean the 100k locked out of every game is actually only 99k?

Boiiiinnngggg

That too ?

Oh c0ck, how bloody unlucky is the lad? I blame David Bentley

Fact is, if he didn't have flaws in his game, he'd be in the Prem. (Note: I'm talking about GK and Bristol City player Daniel Bentley, not former Spurs player David Bentley. Nor am I talking about Bentley cars, the band Bentley Rhythm Ace, nor Bentley Systems (an infrastructure systems software company, apparently))

I didn't know David Bentley was still playing, he must be getting on a bit

Needs a bit more peripheral vision, ITKWIM

:laugh: getting an Uber back to the airport in Riyadh during a massive downpour (including lightning) was...an experience

I don't know current prices, but back in the day it was (say) double London prices. I understand in many Scandi countries, alcohol is very pricey. End of the day, it's their country, if they have rules you don't like...don't go.

There's a dress code in lots of places. You can't go into St Peter's Square with uncovered arms and legs, for example (IIRC). Similarly, women topless on general beaches here is forbidden. That's a dress code. Whether the local authorities in Qatar relax some rules during the World Cup remains to be seen. The drunkeness rule is going to be a problem, and I'm told Qatari jails are not pleasant.

And if you are going to Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha is well worth a visit, stunning building and some amazing exhibits.

PS and it bloody rained one day, too. PPS: did the same in Saudi, pissed it down. I'm cursed.

A few queries (been there twice with work): "Strict dress codes"? Not really, when I went there (twice), t-shirts and shorts were fine. Sure, walking round with your shirt off probably isn't the done thing, but nor is it in many countries "Unfriendly society" - I found the locals (there's very few actual locals) to be pretty pleasant "Weather" - your friend is talking about summer. This will be winter. I've been there twice in winter, perfectly pleasant, warm, yes, but mid-30s and dry heat. Evenings cooler. Quite pleasant. Mind you, the whole regime is unpleasant and the way they treat their migrant workers is appalling. As a side note, the working standards for them makes you realise why the much-criticised "health and safety" culture of this country is a good thing.