A change could do us good– Chris (@Chris10Pricey) explores five reasons why the Qatar World Cup might be a good thing!
In football, there is an almost obsession with the status quo, a desire for things to remain the same, a hankering for old values. When something new is suggested, it can often be met with anger, frustration, and a fair bit of fist wagging. So, when the biggest event in world football was handed to a small middle Eastern nation, it didn’t just raise eyebrows, it pretty much blew them off and drew those weird massive ones that were all the rage in the 2010s back on.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 22nd World Cup has already created waves of controversary from the minute it was announced, and Qatar 2022 is already showing signs of being a highly significant moment for many different groups around the world. The reasons that the tournament is taking place in Qatar are blatantly obvious to anyone who has two fivers to rub together. However, not a day goes by without a news story or deep dive surrounding the human rights, the ethics, and the suitability of Qatar hosting.
Many fans have agonised over the decision to go, the cost of it, their safety, the culture shock, the heat and so on. In no way do I want to undermine any of this, and it makes my heart sing when I saw Rob Page announce our captain would wear the One Love armband, explaining that we again stand ‘together stronger’ in our beliefs.
For all the reasons above, it would be easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom surrounding this year’s World Cup. So here are 5 reasons why this World Cup might be the best ever.
1. Winter is coming
Logistically, this World Cup could never have taken place in the summer, remember all the talk about underground stadiums! The move to winter is much derided around football purists, but for many reasons it could be a genius move. A World Cup in the middle of the many countrys’ football seasons, will mean the players are in much better condition and hopefully lead to better games, as opposed to knackered players wombling around a pitch in a dour 0-0 draw.
For those going, the opportunity for winter sun and the saving on electric bills at home will potentially make the trip worthwhile. For those at home, the beer gardens might not be an option, but a good country pub with a crackling atmosphere is an enticing thought.
2. Qatari hospitality and the chance for change
The hosting of the tournament has come under much scrutiny, but the first World Cup to take place in an Arab nation is sure to throw up some wonderful hospitality. Despite our differing views on many major subjects, I am sure the Qatari’s will put on an amazing show. The cuisine of the Middle East is superb and having worked in many Muslim areas, the people are so friendly and helpful, I know that they will be itching to show their country and their beliefs in the best light.
Embed from Getty ImagesOver the last 20 years, FIFA has taken the World Cup to new places, South Korea and Japan, South Africa, and those who have been have talked passionately about their experience and the new things they saw. Who knows, the lack of beer might mean people take in more of the experience?!
As was referenced earlier, all World Cups give a huge opportunity to make a stance on the biggest stage of all. Sport has often been used as a mechanism for
Embed from Getty Imageschange and teams are already making a stand, such as Denmark’s kit or the OneLove armband. I am sure as the tournament progresses; more teams and players will be braver in their stance and hopefully this can lead to a more inclusive and tolerant society. If this World Cup can be that catalyst for change, then surely that is a lasting legacy.
3. A real feast of football and no post World Cup lull
4 GAMES A DAY! What more could you want, wall to wall football. The group stages are proper packed in, and it will be hard to escape it. The biggest gap between games is 3 days and the second round starts the day after the group stages finish. The World Cup will have been and gone in 29 days, a shortened tournament meaning there is always something to look forward to. For those going to Qatar, the potential of going to multiple games with the venues so close together means fans will get more than ever. At home, some days start at 10am (including our Iran game) and just looking through the groups, there are some mouth watering fixtures. Mexico v Argentina reeks of World Cup nostalgia, Spain v Germany, France v Denmark and I am really looking forward to seeing how the African nations do, as I think they have the potential to surprise.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Premier League takes a short break, but unlike other World Cups, where when it ends everyone has a month where they don’t know what to do, the football will be back within days. And in many leagues, there will be football going on alongside the World Cup, so it will never really go away. The impact for lower league and non-league football could be huge ensuring they get some much-needed support after the difficult last few years.
4. Anyone could win it
For the first time, probably since 2006, I really can’t call who is going to win it.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrazil are the current favourites with the bookies, but there is much clammer for the Ronaldo-Messi fairy-tale style ending. France don’t seem to be the team they were 4 years ago, and the fact European nations don’t win outside Europe might ring true again. As I said earlier, I think the African nations will be competitive and there is always a shock. You only have to look at the fact the European Champions didn’t qualify shows how competitive it is going to be. Personally, I believe the fittest team will win it, although I’m not sure who that might be!
5. WE ARE INVOLVED!!!
Embed from Getty ImagesSave the best until last, of course the main reason that this World Cup is going to be awesome is because we are involved in it. No more waiting for the inevitable England heartbreak story or ploughing our support behind the dark horses because we have a few quid on them. As I said earlier, the fact Italy didn’t qualify, shows what an incredible job Rob Page and the team have done. The team spirit has been well documented, but it has been the guiding light for the last 12 years, building to a moment like this. In 2016, we got on a roll, and anything was possible. And just think, at 150/1, you never know!