I’m England’s biggest World Cup fan & I’m heading to my TENTH – the cost of my first ticket seems crazy now
A FOOTIE-mad dad is set to share a world record – by attending TEN World Cups in a row.
West Brom fan Paul Dubberley, 63, first watched England crash out to Maradona’s Hand of God in Mexico.
News Group Newspapers LtdPaul Dubberley will be going to his 10th World Cup in Qatar[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdPaul wearing a Japan shirt as he poses for a picture with Germany fans in 2002[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdPaul with friends at his first World Cup in Mexico in 1986[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdPaul poses for a picture in Moscow during the 2018 World Cup in Russia[/caption]
When he lands in Qatar this month he will have visited every tournament since 1986 – across all corners of the globe.
And he will match the Guinness World Record for the number of consecutive contests – set by a Venezuelan businessman at Russia 2018.
Paul, from Aldridge, West Mids, said: “If he doesn’t go to Qatar, then I guess I’ll be sharing the record.
“The funny thing is that I’m not a die-hard England fan or anything like that – I’m just a World Cup fan.
“It’s not about the wins – it’s the whole thing. I love being there and experiencing it.
For me, the best bit about the World Cup is at the beginning, when everyone is there from all the different countries. It’s just magic
Paul Dubberley
“For me, the best bit about the World Cup is at the beginning, when everyone is there from all the different countries. It’s just magic.”
Paul has travelled tens of thousands of miles to tournaments including Italia 90, France 98, and Brazil 2014.
He jetted to USA 1994 despite England not even qualifying – and travelled to Japan and South Korea in 2002 by bus, train and boat.
The 7,000 mile journey – via Iran, Pakistan and China – took two months and raised £5,000 for charity.
Paul, an estate agent, revealed his top memory was watching Maradona’s infamous goal for Argentina against England in the Mexico 1986 quarter-finals.
OVER LAND AND SEA
He said: “I remember that the ticket cost just £12. We were up in the gods in the Azteca stadium.
“We actually didn’t realise what had happened until we got back and watched it on the telly.
“I couldn’t believe it. But just getting the chance to watch Maradona play was just so special. “
Paul also travelled to France 98 and South Africa in 2010 – where Fabio Capello’s dismal England crashed out with just a solitary win.
He said: “England were awful but we still had a great time.
“We went on safaris, travelled around the country and saw Nelson Mandela step out onto the pitch at the final – it was brilliant.
“It doesn’t matter what happens on the pitch – if the match is rubbish but you still have a good time, that’s the most important thing.
“I think a lifetime of watching West Brom has taught me that.”
COST OF LOVING
Paul has paid £700 for his flights to Qatar and expects to pay between £2-3000 in hotel costs.
He has tickets for England’s three group games against Iran, the USA and Wales and will automatically get tickets for knockout rounds – should Gareth Southgate’s man make it – through the England fan club.
Paul, who is travelling with two pals, is also hoping to grab tickets for other matches in the Gulf state.
But he admitted he is not viewing the tournament with his usual excitement.
Paul added: “Personally I think it’s wrong that it is there in the first place.
“FIFA has taken over the whole country and it’s a bit of a rip off.
“So we’re going to also tie in a quick trip to Dubai and we’re going to miss the last-16 round to visit Nepal for a week.
It is tournament football and you can never tell what will happen.
Paul Dubberley
“And we haven’t decided yet – but if England crash out we might end up going to Pakistan to watch the cricket instead.
“The World Cup is just a great way to see the world. Hopefully I’ve got a few more left in me.”
But on England’s chances in Qatar, Paul confessed he is “not convinced”.
He added: “I’m not sure we’re that good.
“We did well getting to the semi-final in Russia and the final of Euro 2020 but the form isn’t very good at the moment.
“But it is tournament football and you can never tell what will happen.”
PAUL’S WORLD CUPS
Paul Dubberley has not missed a World Cup since 1986. Here are the tournaments he’s attended:
1986: Mexico
1990: Italy
1994: United States
1998: France
2002: Japan and South Korea
2006: Germany
2010: South Africa
2014: Brazil
2018: Russia
2022: Qatar
News Group Newspapers LtdLeon Images England supper fan Paul Dubberley who has been to 9 tournaments and going to Qatar world cup which will make it 10[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdPaul in Germany for the 2006 World Cup[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdPaul also travelled to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup[/caption]
PAUL’S WORLD CUPS
1986: Mexico
1990: Italy
1994: United States
1998: France
2002: Japan and South Korea
2006: Germany
2010: South Africa
2014: Brazil
2018: Russia
2022: Qatar
