Three key lessons are to be drawn from the just ended FIFA world cup in Qatar. The first is determination. Qatar, a small country of 2 million people showed grit in not just welcoming 1.8 million people but making them enjoy the flavor and passion of the game. Against all odds, the football jamboree in the gulf nation recorded 100% hitch free fans turnout in games, one of the best recorded in a World Cup to FIFA president Gianni Infantino
“We didn’t know before this event how the fans will react. We have seen that actually; human beings are fundamentally positive and not negative.”
The second lesson from Qatar is that there are no small nations in football. This is evident in Saudi Arabia’s 2-1 win over Argentina in their first group match. A victory that shocked the football world, same for Cameroon’s 1 nil win over 5-time world cup winners Brazil. Vincent Aboubakar’s header in the dying minutes of the encounter sent shock waves to the football world.
The revelation of tournament were the Atlas lions of Morocco, who football pundits have likened to giant slayers following wins against three heavy weights, Belgium, Spain and Portugal, making them the first African side to reach the Semis in the competition.
Lionel Messi winning the world cup is the final lesson to write home from the world cup. His conviction to win the most important piece in football that had eluded him, logically places the 7-time balloon D’Or winner as greatest footballer in the world.
By Harrison Ashu