Doha-based Socceroos supporter Mitch Scott thinks that Qatar’s friendliness will make a good impression.
Just a few months remain until the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and anticipation for the event’s debut in the Middle East and Arab region is growing.
Australia supporter Mitch Scott, who resides in Doha, is one of many anticipating the championship game of international football. The 34-year-old, who is originally from Melbourne, has spent the last five years residing in Qatar’s The Pearl.
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The competition, which will be held in Qatar from November 20 to December 18, will delight Australian and international fans, according to events manager Scott.
What advice would you give to Australia fans travelling to Qatar for the World Cup?
Come and have fun; Qatar is a very inviting country. Despite how this place is sometimes depicted in the media, you shouldn’t be worried. I’ve heard some people complain about the heat, but in November and December it will be wonderful.
Australians are known for passionately following their national sports teams. What can we expect from Socceroos fans?
We’re going to be loud and passionate no matter what. You’ll be aware of our presence! Wherever you are in the globe and whatever you are doing, Australians want to meet fellow Australians. Someone will recognize them and greet them with “g’day mate!” if they are wearing green and gold. Nothing will change in this regard.
You helped organise Australian fans for the June intercontinental play-off against Peru. Tell us about the build-up to the game.
We organized for everyone to wear matching shirts with the words “Australians in Qatar” on them because we had many fans travel from all over the world and a sizable local Australian contingent. We also planned a pre-game social event in a restaurant with an Australian theme as well as another pre-game event for families. The atmosphere at the game was fantastic, and every Australian fan was decked out in green and gold. There were excellent groups of Australians together because we instructed everyone to seat in the same part.
How special was it to experience seeing the Socceroos qualify for Qatar 2022 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium?
There were around 80,000 spectators in the Sydney stadium in 2005 when we defeated Uruguay to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, according to some. Even though there were fewer people present, it was still an incredible sensation to know that winning would guarantee qualification. It simply couldn’t have been better because we were behind the goal during the penalty shootout that followed.
All of Australia’s group matches are taking place at Al Janoub Stadium. Are you excited to see what the atmosphere will be like when the Socceroos face France, Tunisia and Denmark?
I’m aware that there will be a sizable Australian contingent present, but there will also be neutral spectators, many of whom will support Australia in each of those contests because they find us to be a likeable nation. It will be crazy if there are 40,000 people there. We anticipate that there will be a sizable contingent of Tunisian supporters, particularly against their country. One of the games I’m most looking forward to is that one because the stadium atmosphere will be incredible.
How do you think Australia will fare at Qatar 2022?
I think we’ve got a good chance of getting through the group. Hopefully, we beat Tunisia, then get a draw with or beat Denmark. We will need to be lucky to beat France, but if we could get a draw with them, then we have a really good chance of getting through. I would love to see that happen.
What are some of the interesting things about Qatar that people may not be aware of?
When people arrive, they will notice how clean and new the entire country is. There is also a friendly, social vibe here. It’s a really great mix of new and old, plus the latest technology. You’ve got people from almost every country in the world living here and that diversity is reflected everywhere you go.
What are your favourite places to visit in Qatar?
I’m a golfer, so I love going to the Doha Golf Club and experiencing the wide-open spaces, plus the trees and wildlife. I also love the National Museum of Qatar. Every time I go there, I learn more about the history of Qatar and what the plans are for the future. I also enjoy going to Souq Waqif and experiencing local culture and the vibe there. You can get lost in the little shops that go on for miles. There’s everything there.
Describe your perfect day in Qatar.
Go on a desert safari and take a four-wheel drive down the side of some sand dunes first thing in the morning. Then you return to Doha, go to the National Museum of Qatar, and then cruise along the waterfront and enjoy West Bay’s views. You would go to Souq Waqif for dinner in the evening. There are several fantastic bars and restaurants if you felt like heading out after that.
