The Khalifa International Stadium looked like a giant white eye in the middle of the desert. The air conditioning vents blasted cold air onto the pitch, fighting a war against the Arabian sun.
Alex stood in the tunnel. He adjusted his socks.
To his right stood the Iran national team. They looked big. They looked tough. They looked like they were ready to park a double decker bus in front of their goal and throw away the keys.
Harry Kane stood at the front of the line. He wore the captain armband. He looked back at the team.
"First steps," Harry said. His voice was calm. "We do not need to win the World Cup today. We just need to win the match. Do not panic. Do not rush. Trust the system."
He looked at Alex.
"Professor. The lock will be tight. You have the keys."
"I have a whole keychain," Alex said.
The music started. The FIFA anthem. It was loud and sounded like an epic movie soundtrack.
They walked out.
