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We are accustomed to the fact that, after every World Cup, we hear that that edition was the “best ever”.
As we bid farewell to the World Cup in Russia today, we must pay tribute to the host and say this was a well-organised event. Russia and her people opened their doors and hearts to the world.
There were fears that there would be pockets of racism here and there, but nothing like that was experienced. Supporters from all over the world were made to feel at home.
What was experienced was a spectacle – on and off the field. The quality of football and, most importantly, the unpredictability of the matches made the event the success it has been.
As the lowest-ranked side of the 32 nations at the event, nothing much was expected from the hosts, but they surpassed expectations by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, where they lost to Croatia on penalties. The team won many hearts with their “never say die” attitude and fighting spirit, particularly when they knocked out 2010 champions Spain.
Not many would have bet on seeing France and Croatia contesting the final, but it is what it is, and it’s what makes football beautiful.
The only dampener was the introduction of the video assistant referee system, which many thought was inconsistent and took away from the game.
This was also a horrendous outing for the five African representatives, who were all knocked out in the first round.
But, if anything, this World Cup has made people fall in love with the game again, and the event will have gone a long way towards changing many misperceptions about Russia.
Now for Qatar in four years’ time. The desert country has a lot to do if it wants to surpass Russia’s success.
Big-ups to Russia!
