How quickly time flies. It seemed only last year that the World Cup was contested in Brazil, but here we are again four years later and it is due to start this week in Russia. I won’t say the best 32 teams in the world will be there, but there will be the 32 teams that qualified from their regional groups.
Many an argument has taken place in the past about how it should be the top 32 teams in world rankings, but if that was the case you would never have opportunities for the smaller football nations to appear and create shock results. It would end up an exclusive tournament which would only have interest for Europe and South America. Mind you the smallest country in this year’s World Cup, Iceland, would have still qualified as they are currently ranked 22nd in the world. Keep an eye on Iceland. They could cause as many shocks as they did in the European championships two years ago.
Apart from the football what should we be looking out for? Russia is at the moment not in good favour with the West and is the subject of many sanctions. So I doubt if many senior Western politicians will be attending matches. I am willing to bet though that the Prime Minister of Iceland will attend if they get through the group stages, but I doubt if Teresa May will, even if by some fluke England get into the final. Trump does not have this problem as the USA did not qualify. Funnily enough the next hosts, Qatar, also haS severe political problems at the moment, maybe this is a by-product of being awarded the finals. Note to future applicants.
Other issues that will almost certainly rise will be hooliganism and racism, Russian fans have, shall we say, a certain reputation throughout Europe and some of their “supporters clubs” will want to prove their superiority. Some coloured players have voiced anxiety, told their families not to come and even stated that they may walk off if they are subject to racial abuse. This would not be good for the game. Vladimir Putin will use the games to strut his stuff on the world stage, hoping to “cock a snook” at his detractors. It’s probably not a good time to be a critical journalist or blogger in Russia at the moment.
For the sake of world sport, and in particular football, let’s hope that the tournament is only remembered for the wonderful games played and the great skills shown. Who will win? The top five ranked countries at the moment are Germany, Brazil, Belgium, Portugal and Argentina. Of these Germany, Brazil and Argentina are always amongst the favourites. Portugal are a bit of a one-man band, but if you’re looking for an outside bet then watch Belgium. They are ranked third in the world and on a roll at the moment. Interestingly enough they are in the same group as England whom they will meet on June 28. I expect the Belgians are looking forward to that the most.