From losing to Saudi Arabia in the opening match to lifting the championship title on Sunday, Argentina’s journey this World Cup was the quintessence of team work and “never say die” attitude, a moment football lovers around the world will look back fondly on and tell their children what they had witnessed. In fact, there are many such moments the month-long FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 had given; it was filled with surprises and inspiring performances. While former champions Germany’s ouster in the group stage sent shock waves to fans, Japan and South Korea kept the hope of Asians alive till the knockout stage. However, it was Morocco that impressed the world the most with their stunning outing this time, becoming the first African nation to enter the World Cup semi-final. They eventually lost to the former champions and this year’s runners-up France but not before sending a ray of hope to smaller and non-participating countries, particularly the African nations, that they too can win on the big stage. When the sporting extravaganza returns after four years, football lovers will watch out for surprises from Asian and African countries, thanks to their impressive performances this time. Asian and African football did not lose from the just concluded World Cup. Going by the pace of improvement made by some nations over the past few decades, it may not be far off before the dominance of South American and European countries’ in the sport is done away with. If that happens, it will be for the good of the sport.
Back to the just concluded event, the world might have perhaps witnessed many football greats like Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Luka Modric (Croatia), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Thiago Silva (Brazil) and others play for the last time in the World Cup as they are likely to retire soon. So, for many, it was a celebration of their contributions to the game. In the meantime, it also resulted in unreasonable expectations and excessive trolling. Internet users were particularly harsh to Ronaldo who had ended his stint in the Manchester United Football Club and didn’t get much play time for his country in the World Cup. So much for the immense contributions made to his country and the game. Whether or not he should have been given more play time is something that team managers should decide but what was avoidable was unnecessary trolling. The fact remains that he will be remembered as one of the greatest footballers. As for Messi, who many pit against Ronaldo, Lady Luck smiled on him. A little more than a year after winning the Copa America title, he won the elusive World Cup, which many believe has cemented his position as the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) though it was no doubt a result of team work. Perhaps it was destined to happen towards the twilight of his illustrious career and in a nail-biting fight, which many dub as the best World Cup final ever, thanks to the Mbappé-inspired dramatic comeback from France after an initial setback. At the end of the day, the best team won. Football won.
