We arrive into a Winter Wonderland. Snowmen, a giant Christmas tree and market stalls decorated for the festive season greet us. But we’re not even here for this, it’s just a bonus. Past the markets we arrive in the Fan Zone. A massive screen is set up faced by hundreds of beanbags spread over the lawn and surrounded by food vendors and a large bar.
Australia v Tunisia
The boys choose bean bags and we quickly settle in as the Australia v Tunisia game gets under way. It’s pretty quiet to start with. We order some lunch before the crowds arrive and as I get back to our spot, Mitchell Duke gets Australia on the board executing an incredible header off another attempt at goal. Australia scores, the tension builds and it’s still only the first half…
Certainly Jasper is excited and enthralled after the first goal. We kick back with lunch and cross our fingers for another one as the Fan Zone starts to fill.
Despite the exhilaration coupled with apprehension, unfortunately the second half doesn’t deliver Australia and more goals. Nevertheless we finish ahead at full time with 1 – 0.
Winter Wonderland
I have promised Harley a ride at the Winter Wonderland park so, leaving Jasper to guard our beanbags, we go for a stroll to find the best option. There is snow tubing, ‘ice’ skating, and a ‘snow’ area but after careful deliberation, Harley chooses the least wintery of them all.
He’s so excited about the human claw game that I can’t bring myself to deny him the opportunity, despite the high cost to duration ratio (not to mention the plastic gifts!). So in he goes to the human sling to be slung across the ball pit filled with gifts. Returning with a giant grin it almost seems worth it after all.
Saudi v Poland
Returning to our bean bags, the gang has arrived and beers are bought. We settle in for the Saudi v Poland game. I’m going for Poland because of my part Polish heritage. After much debate with the kids as to the percentage of Pole they are we decide that since they are 0% Saudi, they should be supporting Poland as well!! Besides, with the overwhelming support for Saudi in this crowd, they need all the help they can get.
We kick back and enjoy the electric atmosphere of the Fan Zone by McGettigan’s. Jasper is fixed in his spot but as the crowd gets more dense, I start to wonder how I will find Harley again. He’s not so interested in the match and has ambled off to find his own fun.
As the sun sinks behind the Marina and the JBR skyline, Poland takes a surprise goal in the 41st minute and the roar of the Polish contingent is evident in the Fan Zone. Saudi has shown dominance with the ball but that didn’t stop Poland’s Piotr Zielinski turning the tide.
The second half is well under way when Robert Lewandowski strikes in the 82nd minute with another goal to Poland. After this we ease off the edge of our seats a little bit and hope they can hold on until the end.
Once it looks like Saudi won’t be able to turn the game around, I head to the edge of the Fan Zone where I find Harley and Kenny predictably engrossed in the Sony Playstations set up for the event. He’s missed the atmosphere somewhat but is happy nevertheless as we battle the taxi queue for a ride home.
Good To Know
McGettigan’s Fan Zone at Media City is a purpose built area for viewing the Qatar World Cup matches.
Adult entry is AED50 (reimbursable on food and beverage), kids are free. Fast food is available as is alcohol.
Would I Return?
Yes. This was a spectacularly fun afternoon against a classic Dubai skyline.
