The Qatar World Cup has not only been a World Cup of many Firsts, but has also been one of the most open and well contested Tournaments, wherein it was always difficult to point out a clear favourite. Some big names have gone to dust while some unheralded ones have snatched the spotlight. Some old warhorses have walked into the sunset, but some of them are still better than the best. Some new heroes have been unearthed and a new reference point in the form of Morocco, created.
The Rise of Africa from the Depths of 2018
The 2018 World Cup in Russia was a major disappointment for the African Contingent when none of the African Teams were able to go beyond the group stage. They had hit a new low and a massive gulf between the African Teams and the Europeans was exposed. Even the Asian challengers had a difficult time. A lot of work was required to be done. Come 2022, a positive change is definitely visible. Senegal, the African Champions got through the Group stage and so did Japan and South Korea ( Tunisia got the better of France, Cameroon beat Brazil and Saudi Arabia scored over Argentina ) . The performances were sparkling, however the nation which captured everyone’s imagination was Morocco. by became the first African nation to reach a World Cup Semi Final.
Walid Regragui – A Game Changer
Morocco, under the astute stewardship of Manager Walid Regragui surprised all and sundry. It was not about the Semi-Finals alone and how far they had travelled into the Tournament, it was the way they played the game. The quality of Football was of the highest standards. The skill on display, particularly in defence and ball control was exceptional. Regragui was instrumental in selecting players who played in the highly competitive European Leagues. Many of the players were not even born in Morocco though carried a Moroccan descent.
The Contribution of European Leagues
Regragui’s move paid off with handsome returns and going forward Morocco would be one of the favourites in the African Cup of Nations in a years time. The European Leagues too have to be credited with the good performances of these teams. They have given opportunities to players from different countries and cultures to grow into very fine footballers who could be world beaters.
The Positive Aftermath
Morocco have truly set a benchmark for the other African Nations to follow and the way the Afro Arab world has backed Morocco is indicative of how inspired they have been by the exploits of the Atlas Lions. Their performance would spur a major traction for the sport in the Region. There would be much more self belief and a strong desire to do well in International Competitions. The domestic leagues in Africa would also get a facelift, extremely important for nurturing domestic talent . If channelised properly, the new found optimism would be a real game changer for Africa. This will also have an impact in the Arab World and the Asian Teams, who too have been positively affected by Morocco’s achievements.
As the world braces for a Messi vs Mbappe finale on Sunday, Morocco’s spell still looms large on the World Cup. A true reference point.
Read World Cup Diaries on the Go @rizkhan.in
Read QUICK, Read BETTER @rizkhan.in
Featured image : Courtesy CNN
Riz Khan has very aptly and presciently commented on the world-wide likely developments in this Sport in the aftermath of this veritable 2022 crowning event in Qatar.
The writer’s knowledge of the technicalities of the game, of various up-coming and budding individual players, their skills, abilities and achievements has simply been tremendous.
I think after the Final match and conclusion of this event Riz would do well to to bring out in book- form all his blogs on this World Cup which would keep its interesting memories alive in time to come.
Thank you for all the encouragement