As we all take stock of 2022, Qatar is cleaning up following an EPIC World Cup tournament. FIFA has brought us the most prestigious event in all of sports and world entertainment, the FIFA World Cup. The World Cup is the most viewed tournament of the world game witnessed by not only football fans but also by non-football fans of all ages and all Nations as the world united 32 countries together to show their pride for their country.
Qatar managed to host the 22nd FIFA World Cup despite their extremely hot climate and various controversies. As the World Cup happens once in every four years, the iconic trophy has always been Football’s most wanted prize.
The world cup had kicked off with the host nation Qatar going up against Ecuador in group A which turned out to be a disappointing result for a nation hosting the world cup as they fell two goals short to Ecuador with a brace from Enner Valencia to secure 3 points for Ecuador. Qatar then faced Senegal and Netherlands and lost both games which forced them to end their world cup campaign early as they finished last in their group with zero points. This was only the second time in history that the host nation had failed to qualify from their group since South Africa in 2010.
This year’s world cup was also the last world cup for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo before they go into retirement. Neither of them has ever won the trophy in their careers. Lionel Messi’s side Argentina went into the competition as one of the favourites and began the tournament against underdogs Saudi Arabia. Argentina was indeed looking like the stronger side in the first half when they were up 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick by Messi, however they had 3 goals ruled out for offside which gave Saudi Arabia the opportunity to bounce back in the second half, which they did. After Saudi Arabia scored 2 goals in the second half, they managed to win the game and put Argentina under pressure. Incredible. This game ended up being the biggest upset of the tournament as Saudi Arabia shocked the world.
After the Socceroos’ controversial penalty shootout against Peru, they managed to qualify for the world cup and go on to have the best world cup campaign in their history. Australia played in group D where they had to face reigning champions France, along with Denmark and Tunisia. Although they lost their first game to France, they went on to collect 6 points after beating Denmark and Tunisia and finished second in the group while also being on equal points with France which allowed them to progress to the knockout rounds of the world cup for only the second time in history to verse Argentina. After a goal from Messi and Julian Alvarez, Australia got one back from a shot by Craig Goodwin forcing it to take a deflection off Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the 77th minute. Once again Argentina is under pressure by the Socceroos. The Socceroos continued to keep the pressure going but after multiple chances unfortunately the Argentine defence was too strong. Although the Argentinians managed to pull through, the Aussies put up a good battle. Here is what Messi had to say in the post-match interview: “It was a difficult game, a difficult day. We had very little time to rest, we were tired, and we didn’t recover well. Today was also a very physical match and well, I’m happy for this victory and for taking another step forward.”
Argentina then went on to face the champions France in the grand final on Monday the 19th of December in Lusail Stadium. Messi was in for his last shot for world cup glory while golden boy Kylian Mbappé and France look to go back-to-back world cup champions. After a goal from Messi and Angel Di Maria in the first half, Argentina seemed to have the game fully under control until the 80th minute. France won a penalty and Mbappé was able to convert. One minute later Mbappé found his second goal. Argentina’s lead was taken away from them in the space of 2 minutes. The game continued into extra time, and once again Messi was able to put Argentina in front and make it 3-2. In the 118th minute Argentina was 2 minutes away from world cup glory, but another penalty was given to France from a handball by Argentina’s number 4 Gonzalo Montiel. As expected Mbappé steps up to the spot and equalises to make it 3-3 and take the game into penalties. Thanks to goals from Messi, Dybala, Parades, Montiel, and heroic saves from Emiliano Martinez, Argentina came out on top with Argentina winning 4-2 on penalties. It is said by fans that this world cup final was the greatest game of Football the world has seen. After an amazing career, Lionel Messi finally won Football’s ultimate prize.
FIFA World Cup Qatar has no doubt been a success. The world cup showed how Football is more than just a game, it is a way of uniting the world. However, on the 29th of December, 10 days after the historic final, Brazilian Football legend Pele had passed away at age 82 due to being severely ill. Although the football world weeps, we will remember Pele as the footballing legend and the highly respected person he was forevermore.