From allegations of bribes being paid for hosting rights to One Love armband to criticism of human rights over treatment of migrant workers, women and LGBT in Qatar, to autumn-winter slot against the conventional June-July schedule at the cost of major European leagues, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was controversies abound from the day the hosting rights was awarded 12 years ago. Despite the gloom in the days leading up to the sporting extravaganza, heated competition ensued with the underdogs taking centre stage by upsetting some of the favourites in the group stage. While Senegal and Morocco are worth mentioning for making it to the round of 16, it is the surge of some Asian teams that shocked many. Qatar, which qualified for the FIFA World Cup as host nation, failed to register any win in its first outing since independence in 1971, but Saudi Arabia beat South American giant Argentina in its first match before Iran defeated Wales. The two countries failed to make it to the knockout stage but not before making its presence felt and rattling a couple of World Cup regulars. The other two countries — South Korea and Japan – made it to the knockout round though failed to go beyond. Japan were, in fact, close to qualifying for the quarterfinals by holding Croatia to a 1-1 draw after the extra time, before faltering in the penalties. They had earlier defeated former champions Germany and Spain to top the group table. The Blue Samurai lost the match to Croatia but won many hearts.
The impressive performance of the underdogs not only triggered excitement and curiosity among football fans but also added unpredictability factor to this World Cup. It, in a way, changed the perception of football pundits and fans alike towards the minnow. The favourites had to sweat out to progress to the next round, when many expected a walkover. The African and Asian countries looked more determined and confident than ever this time. They were there to win. It may take some time for an Asian country to win the championship title, as North American and European countries are clinically ahead in the sport at the moment, but if the pace of improvement witnessed over the last couple decades is any indication, they may get there sooner than expected. This trend is good for football as well. Asian countries’ impressive show at the Qatar World Cup also should inspire other nations, including India to excel in the sport. The world will look at Asian teams more seriously after the mega event in the Middle East. They will be watched out for in 2026 World Cup. Asian football has come of age.
