A MAN from Conwy has described his emotions after witnessing in person Wales’ first World Cup game since 1958 in Qatar on Monday (November 21).

Barry Thomas, a 58-year-old taxi driver, was among roughly 3,000 Welsh supporters at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, as Gareth Bale’s late penalty secured a 1-1 draw in their opening group game against the United States.

Leeds United supporter Barry flew out to the Middle East from Cardiff on Sunday (November 20) with his friend, Phil, and with a "Glan Conwy" Wales flag packed.

North Wales Pioneer: Barry's view of Monday's gameBarry's view of Monday's game (Image: Barry Thomas)

The two of them are staying in an apartment in the Qatari district of Al Mansoura, which is about a 20-minute trip on the metro from West Bay, the area of the capital city, Doha, which encompasses its east coast districts.

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They fly home on Saturday (November 26), having secured tickets for Wales’ second and penultimate group game against Iran on Friday.

Barry said: “It must be (costing them) about £3,000 in total!

“Once we got the money together, it was a no-brainer. We had to come, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Wales are now dining with the big boys!

North Wales Pioneer: Wales make their mark in QatarWales make their mark in Qatar (Image: Barry Thomas)

“We went to France in 2016 (when Wales reached the European Championships semi-finals), which was easier to find your way around, and obviously a bit cheaper.

“But the atmosphere here is decent, to be fair. Monday’s game was an unbelievable occasion; I’ve never seen so many men in tears at kick-off.”

After facing Iran on Friday, Wales’ third and final group game of the World Cup is against England on Tuesday, November 29, kicking off at 7pm UK time.