The FIFA World Cup 2022
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage on the planet. It has hosted many great football teams and players since its birth and every tournament has been memorable. It is a tournament that captures the true meaning behind 'the beautiful game' where fans and players dream and pray for World Cup glory which will inevitably be the pinnacle of their lives. It brings countries together no matter what moment in time it may be. Friendships are won and lost on and off the field as passion and desire encapsulate the whole world for what feels like an eternity of fantastic football but are only brief and fleeting moments in people's lives.
As an England fan, hope is always there as we never know what type of England will turn up at the tournament. It doesn't matter how well the team plays in qualifiers or warm-up matches, it is always different compared to when the tournament starts. The desire, pressure and motivation the players and fans feel synchronise and given our recent tournament performances there is no reason for us not to be optimistic and hopeful for glory.
But as a neutral fan, it is clear to see in this year's Qatar World Cup, despite its controversies, will be one of the most competitive and quality-filled tournaments in recent years. Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and Germany are the usual big hitters all having squads with many world-class talents across all departments of the pitch. Then the dark horses Denmark who play some of the most attractive football, and Uruguay with underrated talent in their ranks - these are only two of many dark horses who may cause upsets and shocks as the tournament progresses.
Nations have a chance of showcasing their football talent and culture on the big stage. But also the platform gives rising stars a place to make a name for themselves with recent examples being Mbappe in 2018 and James Rodriguez in 2014 both having an amazing set of performances affording them top moves and contracts for the following seasons. This year there are many talents to watch out for with the likes of Vinicius Jr and Antony of Brazil, Valverde of Uruguay, Leao one of the many in the Portugal squad, Foden and Bellingham from England and the list is almost endless this year. Pressure for these youngsters will be immense but perfect to see whether they can handle the biggest stage for the first time in their careers. In other words, this will demonstrate whether or not they can fulfil their expectations not only at the club level but for their countries as well.
Finally, when talking about rising stars there are also the veterans possibly playing their last ever World Cup/major tournament for their countries. The 3 biggest of this generation: Ronaldo, Messi - the two greatest footballers of all time and Neymar the most talented footballer of the previous generation. Of course, there are more such as Luis Suarez, Lewandowski, Neuer and many more. But those 3 have been the benchmark for many of the rising stars mentioned before and given their age and gradual decline it most possibly is the last time these 3 legends of the game will be in a major tournament together. Therefore this tournament will definitely be looked back upon due to the sentiments and nostalgia because of these players and the impact they have had on the footballing community.
Secretly most fans wouldn't mind seeing either of these players winning the world cup if their nation does not make it far. It's what those footballers deserve and what will truly capture why this game is beautiful.
