Aussie World Cup superfan lifts the lid on what it’s REALLY like to see the Socceroos in person: No beer, not a scalper in sight, aircon that makes you feel cold – and you wouldn’t want to eat the food
Football ‘super fan’ Peter Papoythis has revealed what it is like to see the Socceroos – and other nations – in the flesh at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Sydney-based father of two is attending more than a dozen group games live in the Middle East and was in the crowd for Australia’s match at the Al-Janoub Stadium versus France.
Papoythis, who is also the assistant coach of semi-professional NPL club Marconi Stallions in NSW, spoke to Daily Mail Australia after the final whistle, where Les Blues ran riot, winning 4-1.
Nothing was off-limits, as the football fanatic provided a fascinating insight into how life works in the Gulf nation when it comes to football fixtures at the biggest sporting event on the planet.
‘The atmosphere was great, both sets of fans enjoyed the moment and there were no dramas that I saw,’ Papoythis said when reflecting on the France versus Australia match, which he saw from ‘nosebleed’ seats surrounded by other Socceroos supporters.
Football ‘super fan’ Peter Papoythis (pictured right) has revealed what it is like to see the Socceroos live in Qatar at the World Cup
When the TV cameras panned to Papoythis (left, under the score) ‘his phone didn’t stop vibrating’ from friends back home in Sydney
‘I will say this…they do things differently over here compared to back home, being ‘dry’ stadiums with zero alcohol….the food selection is pretty limited, burgers aren’t the go for me.
‘I was impressed with the ticketing situation… it is virtually impossible for scalpers to exist in Qatar.
‘The lines are quite long to get into stadiums, but once you are in the ground, everything is spread out.’
Papoythis also attended the England versus Iran clash on Tuesday and felt the atmosphere shaded the Socceroos’ defeat.
‘England were on fire, it was close to capacity and their supporters were loving it,’ he added.
‘I sat next to an Iranian couple and they got emotional during their national anthem.
‘They were also very respectful, they actually cheered quietly when England scored.’
The football fanatic told Daily Mail Australia French superstar Kylian Mbappe seems even faster live than he does on TV
Papoythis felt an upset was on the cards when the Socceroos took a shock 1-0 lead at the Al Janoub Stadium – but it wasn’t to be
The air conditions stadiums in Qatar have baffled some fans – but Papoythis is all for it.
‘You need them in the local conditions, and if you are sitting high up, it can actually get quite cold,’ he said.
‘It really is a carnival like atmosphere and now I can’t wait to see Ronaldo play for Portugal, that will be amazing.
‘Qatar is a beautiful country, I am having a ball.’