Powys football fans travel to Qatar for World Cup matches

The Red Wall marked the end of a six-decade wait and delivered a spine-tingling performance of the national anthem before the game.

Among those to travel to Qatar is Graham Evans from Caersws.

He was joined by Barri Morgan from Aberystwyth, and the pair met Welsh folk singer Dafydd Iwan, whose rousing song Yma o Hyd has become an unofficial anthem for Welsh fans, and who was happy to pose for a picture with his fellow countrymen.

Graham said ahead of the match: "We only got here this morning and it has been all good so far.

"The people here are very welcoming and a great atmosphere in and around the stadium."

Carl Lewis (back row, far right) with other members of the Caersws Football Club fans in Doha supporting Wales.

Caersws supporters Carl Lewis and Joff Rogers in Doha.

Caersws is well represented in the Middle East with a touring party taking in 10 games in 10 days.

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Among those enjoying the break in the football season is Caersws manager Mark Griffiths and players Matt Mumford, Neil Mitchell and Steffan Harri Jones.

Lifelong Caersws fans Joff Rogers and Carl Lewis have also taken a break from supporting their beloved Bluebirds to embark on a once in a lifetime adventure in Qatar.

Carl said: "It's been amazing. It's breathtaking out here, watching football in the sun in 28 degree heat."

Carl Lewis in Doha

The Caersws on tour flag

Supporting 4,000 miles away in Kansas City, USA, was Gareth Hughes, who is originally from Newtown but has lived in the States for 25 years.

"It means the world - something I never thought I’d see in my lifetime and certainly makes me very proud, patriotic and very nationalistic," he said.

"Yma o Hyd sums it up totally.

"Thankfully in Kansas City we have quite a gathering of British lads who work and coach here, many of whom attended college in Cardiff at various stages – so we always get together, wear our Welsh shirts, sing and support and today will not be any different."

Gareth, who is the U13 to 19 boys director of MLS Sporting Kansas City – Sporting Blue Valley Soccer Club, added: "Mid Wales is well represented and there are a few watch parties here and all of us will get together and hope we can get off to a winning start."