A game of World Cup Football is never a no-nonsense ordeal. From biting an old Italian to breaking a Brazillian’s back, unnatural incidents ranging from the weirdest and the wildest occur every 4 years, when people put down their guns and go to War.
Perhaps, calling it a Bloodless War would be an overstatement. The emotional mindset of each player resembles that of the vanguard, ready to lay down his life on the front lines. No lives are claimed here and the only gunshots heard are that of the ball hitting the back of the net. It is truly incredible to sit back and watch this spectacle unfold. Reminds me of the opening scene from the Malayalam movie Amen. No one knows what’s happening. But they all know its amazing.
The Worthy
Let me go over the usual drama that happens in the world cup. There are some countries that are just unable to hit top gear when it matters. Their only visible goal is to take a few points off the bigger favourites. There are two reasons why anyone would really watch these games. It’s either because the spectator is from one of those countries, or it’s because their favourite team is playing against one of these so-called Worthy sides. No one in their right mind would watch a boring affair between two small timers. But this is not a plain declaration that these teams are crap. They’ve worked their heads off and gained the honour of representing themselves along with the 32 best footballing nations of the world. I have nothing but respect for them. Perhaps, even if these teams had more capitalist funding or they represent a colonial superpower, they too would have been favourites. Do I expect something special from them? No. Nonetheless, they are and will be titled ‘The Worthy’.
The Confused
Hmm…. should I win it? Or just call it a day because I’ve already made it this far?
Teams of great calibre and talent. Yet, they lack the certain spark that will help them achieve something special. People expect good things from these teams, but they usually end up disappointing the fans. What do they lack that the those in the top tier have? Probably a lack of conviction that they’re here to win it. These are also the teams that pull off the greatest ‘Cupsets’. An occasional win against Belgium, things like that. It’s is also really interesting to see how these teams shape up when they go against a major side knowing that they’re the weaker side. Then it’s a game of wits and tactics, a push till we see who gives in first. Such games often end up as the most exciting ones to watch.
As a bonus to the players, good performers get big scouts on them and can get recruited into top clubs, especially by the likes of the Premier league. Playing for international teams is much more than a show of a player’s talent. It depicts his hunger and drive. It also shows how adaptive the player is, getting along with others who play around the globe. It lets clubs understand whether he can fit well into their side. It reminds us that a person’s true intentions come out when they’re high on passion. Else, Marco Matterazi wouldn’t have had a gaping hole in his chest.
The Real Deal
Sit back and relax. These teams will break into Round-16 no matter what. Very passionate and straightforward, they’re here to win it. But what they will achieve is a question that we can answer only after watching them and their form. They usually shape well and settle into good score lines. One of my favourite examples would be Croatia. They were a ‘Confused’ team before they ascended to the Real Deal with their exciting football in 2018. The games are always exciting to watch, with great team performances rather than individual proficiencies. Most of the individuals are already well established and their next goal is to keep their eyes on the prize.
A massive question mark that arises in this segment would be the peculiar England team. They’ve got the most valuable squad in the world. They’ve got the biggest names on their sheets. The funniest thing about this team is that the players are in form at the club level, but can’t link up at the national level. I recently watched them play Italy in the nations league qualifiers where they were knocked out of the competition by ‘The Weakest Italian squad in History’. England hasn’t scored from open play in 5 games and I can see why. Defensively, even Harry Maguire seemed settled. But in terms of attack, they looked confused. England is incapable of utilising their otherworldly attacking power. Being unable unleash Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, the manager Gareth Southgate is definitely doing something wrong with his 3-4-3. Perhaps I should make another segment called The Disappointment. At this rate, nothing’s ‘Coming Home’.
The Loser
Yes. Its plain.
The fun fact about the World Cup is that there is only one loser. The other 30 teams lose, yes. But there’s only one clear team that will carry home the biggest regret. The other team goes home with all the glory and silverware. You’re stuck with medals smaller than an Oreo with LOSER written on it. Its not just the team that loses; it’s an entire nation that mourns the defeat. All the build-up and effort go to nought. People will say “Well played” but it truly isn’t. To lose in a final is the worst feeling in the world. And to do this in front of more than half the world is even more depressing. No matter which of the discussed segments you fall into, if you’re in the Finals, then you’re equal to whoever you face. There’s no excuse for the loss. I speak about this with great emotion as I too have suffered in the 2019 UEFA Champions League Finals. The emptiness that followed and the effects it had on the club was crippled the fans too. It ends up as a true test of courage and dedication to still keep standing. Alas, all that valour is pointless. By the end of the day, the fact remains the same. You Lost.
The Ruthless
Now, Why would I call the winners Ruthless? I would like to quote Jose Mourinho: “Nice guys never win.” The team which shows no mercy and punishes its opponents for each mistake will undoubtedly be the winner. Towards the finals, its more along the lines of an emotional battle. The team which does not care about the tears of its opponents and are willing to step on them can push on to win. And what have they won? Perhaps that’s something that the reader should ponder on. Is it just some silverware? It’s a moment when history counts for nothing. It’s all about now and what happens then. The winners of this emotional and taxing battle truly deserves the title of World Champions.
Undoubtedly, the FIFA World Cup 2022 is going to be the most exciting thing to come since the breakout of a virus named after a beer. An anxious and nerve wrecking November awaits. Under the desert sun and Arabian skies will a war break out, with the most advanced weapons and smartest commanders. One clear winner will emerge. In four years, this winner will have to do it all again.
This Bloodless War isn’t the first, and neither will it be the last ever. And to be a part of this…. it gives me the chills.
Hoping to have less ‘Cupsets’ this year
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