Now… Miami! England supporters are still reeling from an incredible game at the Azteca stadium against Mexico in the World Cup Round of 16, and are now heading to Florida
England fans have woken up this morning in Mexico City and are still celebrating one of the most magical games in the country’s football history.
As they went for breakfast, they were still taking in the sensational performance of Thomas Tuchel’s heroic ten men. But there wasn’t much time for them to rest on their laurels. Some were at the airport for the 6.50am AeroMexico direct flight to Miami ready for the next World Cup adventure on Saturday.
manchester-city-fc>Manchester City’s Erling Haaland awaits, and the fantastic army of Norwegian fans complete with their brilliant rowing routine which has wowed the world. Others were flying back home to England for work reasons but are returning to Miami on Friday.
Over breakfasts in hotels and restaurants, Three Lions supporters were still taking in enormity and impact of the win. Many said it was their “best game ever”. Older fans said it would never beat the 5-1 win over Germany in Munich in 2001.
But there was no doubt it was one of the most dramatic and sensational matches in England’s history. Superfan Gary Taylor was at the match with girlfriend Jo Lewis.
He said: “Fair play to the Mexico fans they were great in defeat.” Gary and Jo had a horrendous experience at the opening ceremony in Mexico City last month when they were caught in a crush.
“It was so much different this time,” he said. “What a match – that ranks in my top three games of all-time. It doesn’t beat Germany away in 2001, and 2002 World Cup against Argentina, but it was just fantastic. It was a real privilege to be here.”
The country’s most dedicated fan, Tony Incenzo, who has visited every single non-league ground in the National League pyramid – more than 2,500 of them – said: “I’ve been watching the World Cup since 1970 and that was one of the best matches I’ve ever seen.”
The big scramble for tickets was underway last night. On the official FIFA resale site one ticket was available at £7,000. On Seatgeek there are several available with price ranging from £2,200 to £3,000. Incredibly one cheeky punter has his ticket on sale for £5.6m.
Businessman Dan Fellows, 37, originally from Wolverhampton, now lives in Houston, Texas. He has followed England across the country this summer, attending most of their matches so far, and already has tickets for the semi-final and final. With his flight and hotel booked for Miami, all that’s missing is a quarter-final ticket.
He said: “A World Cup quarter-final in Miami — it doesn’t get much better than that. I’ve been to nearly every England game this tournament, and I’ve already got my tickets for the semi and the final. Now I just need one for Saturday, but I’m pretty confident I’ll get one.
“Watching it on TV is one thing, but being there in person – the atmosphere, the noise, thousands of England fans singing — it’s something you have to experience for yourself.” The Wolves fan added: “What a great chance we’ve got against Norway. I can’t wait”
Miami will see thousands of new England fans descending from the UK. But many have been in Florida for a while – using it as base to watch the games on big screens rather than incur travel and ticket costs.
The match will be played at the Miami Stadium; home of the legendary Miami Dolphins NFL team. It has a capacity for 64,000 fans.
