Thousands of Argentina and Saudi Arabia fans join World Cup party as Doha comes to life

Protests and ticketing hitches stole headlines on first day of multiple matches as top contenders prepare to enter fray on Tuesday

Argentina fans are hoping Lionel Messi will join the late, great Diego Maradona as a World Cup winner. Photo: Getty Images

Argentina fans are already filling the stands of the 80,000 capacity Lusail Stadium ahead of their opening World Cup game with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

South American fans drum up for support for their side as they kick off their bid for World Cup glory. Photo: Getty Images

An Argentina fan wears the famous number ten shirt of Lionel Messi. Photo: Getty Images

Argentine fans have turned out in force in Qatar. Photo: Getty Images

A supporters wears a shirt featuring Argentina's two greatest players, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Photo: Reuters

Argentina supporters gather outside the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha. Photo: AFP

An Argentina supporter sporting the shirt of the team's talisman, Lionel Messi. Photo: Getty Images

Argentina are joining the World Cup party on day three of the tournament. Photo: AFP

Argentina fans are hoping their team can secure their first World Cup for 36 years. Photo: AP

After a day of protests, ticketing problems and a glut of goals, the thousands of Argentina fans to have arrived on the streets of Doha will see their idol Lionel Messi take to the field in one last bid for World Cup glory.

Argentina will take on Qatar’s neighbours Saudi Arabia in the first match on Tuesday as the South Americans aim to capture a first World Cup since Diego Maradona’s one-man show in Mexico 86.

Saudi fans have also turned out in large numbers, hoping to cheer their side to a shock victory over one of the tournament favourites.

Holders France will begin their quest to retain their title against Australia in the final match of the day, which kicks off at 11pm GST.

Denmark — semi-finalists at last year's European Championships — will take on Tunisia and seasoned World Cup campaigners Mexico will be in action against Poland on a busy day of World Cup football.

On a Monday morning spent travelling on a near-deserted Metro system to catch a glimpse of the England team as they left for the Khalifa International Stadium from the Souq Al Warka Hotel — a luxury beach resort around 20km outside central Doha — it was clear this was a tournament still finding its feet.

Qatar’s special security officers outnumbered civilians by at least three to one, as helicopters circled overhead and British police officers manned rooftops to scan surrounding areas for potential flashpoints.

Small Brazilian, Chinese and British TV crews assembled to film the England send-off, but the souq area — a popular tourist destination at night — was otherwise deserted.

The Metro is a shining example of Doha’s progress, built from scratch for the World Cup.

It was well used in the build-up to England’s match with Iran, as fans piled onto trains and out onto the stadium concourse.

More security teams were waiting, but with an alcohol ban in place the atmosphere was good natured and finally began to resemble a World Cup.

Expatriate England fans based in Doha were quick to defend their adopted home in the face of global criticism of Qatar’s tournament hosting, while protesting Iranians were more reluctant to speak openly for fear of repercussions on returning home.

Sport City, where the 45,000-seat Khalifa International Stadium sits, is surrounded by four Metro stations offering fast transport around Doha.

As fans headed for exits and poured onto the concourse, three of those stations were closed off, while a lengthy queue was the only access to the solitary station in use.

No explanation was given, forcing fans into more long queues for buses and taxis — many whom raised prices to capitalise on demand.

It left a bitter taste for England fans who had enjoyed an electric start to their World Cup.

Saudi Arabia prepare for Argentina challenge — in pictures