With Liverpool knocked out of the FA Cup Saturday and their Champions League tie not until Tuesday, I wished to fill my Sunday afternoon with some local football. I imagined that a match between mid-table Al Wahda FC (located not far from my apartment, they are practically my home team), and basement-dwelling Emirates, in a United Arab Emirates League match would lift my spirits.
So I caught a cab to the stadium behind Al Wahda Mall and met up with a friend. Having seen one match previously, he was already a loyal fan.
It was my first taste of UAE football and I was eager — perhaps over eager — to fall in love with Al Wahda as he had. Afterall, it would be the first time I had a club to support whose matches I could watch live. While I’ve seen Toronto FC play, it was business-related viewing and the closest I’ve gotten to seeing Liverpool live was from the First National pub.
So I bought a scarf and ambled into the free match, expecting an easy win and the beginning of a fruitful relationship.
Things started promisingly for Al Wahda — who last lifted the league trophy in 2005 — when they opened the scoring in the 12th minute. The bleachers were far from full but the crowd around me — all men, most wearing disdasha’s — was in good spirits. In the bleachers opposite me, a large group dressed (and presumably paid for their efforts) sang constantly. Near the end of the half, when they broke out the Arabic version of “We Will Rock You,” including the verses, I had fallen in love.
It took 45 minutes for the honeymoon to end.
After a half-hour half-time break, Al Wahda came out looking sleepy and within minutes had conceded the equalizer. Later, the impossible happened when a through-ball into the area was knocked into the back of Al Wahda’s net. My friend and I shook our heads ruefully as the crowd around us actually applauded the goal, each clap dripping with sarcasm. They weren’t happy at all and neither was I.
“This is disgusting,” I said.
“That sums it up perfectly,” my friend replied.
Minutes later, Emirates added a third on a 50-yard free kick that bounded past everyone into the back of the net. I looked to my friend and asked, “Are there any other teams in Abu Dhabi?” Turns out Al-Jazira Sports Club play just as close to where I live and are currently in third place in the league.
“I think I might go watch them play,” I said. “Before I get stuck supporting these guys for the rest of my time here.”
“You’re already hooked mate,” he said.
The home fans kept applauding Emirates, who were actually showboating with the ball now. When the final whistle mercifully blew, they crowded the guard rail and clapped and cheered Al Wahda's effort wildly as the dejected players strolled into the change rooms. Policemen wearing track suits kept a watchful eye.
Al Wahda’s next home game isn’t until April and Al Jazira have three home games in the interim. There is time for me to save myself yet.
But like Nick Hornby with Arsenal, I fear I am already a goner. Al Wahda may not play very attractive football, but “We Will Rock You” never sounded so good.
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