Since the beginning of this World Cup, the traditional “heavyweights” of football have been struggling against it… the zebra!
Today it was Spain’s turn. “La Roja,” as it is called at home, had already lost to Japan in the group stage, which left it in second place in the group. Many commented that Spain might have lost on purpose to face a weaker opponent in the round of 16. If it had secured first place, it would have played against Croatia, the world runner-up.
But if it’s true that the Spanish team allowed itself to be defeated, the tactic didn’t take them very far. Morocco, their opponent in the round of 16, formed a solid wall, gave a masterclass in defense, and didn’t let Spain score in regular time or extra time. The match went to penalties, and surprisingly, all three of Spain’s penalty takers missed.
Conclusion: Those who don’t score (not even from the penalty spot!) get eliminated. Spain was knocked out in the round of 16 by Morocco, three to zero, in penalties. A historic result. The African team will play in the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time. It is Morocco’s best campaign in history, having previously reached the round of 16 in the 1986 World Cup.
But on the list of upsets, this match was just another one.
Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina in what was considered the biggest upset in World Cup history. In the following days, Morocco beat Belgium, the current number 2 in the world, and Australia surpassed Denmark to secure their place in the knockout stage.
In Group E, Japan defeated Germany and Spain, finishing at the top of the group. Germany was eliminated in the first round.
And what about Brazil, which lost to Cameroon? The Brazilian team was undoubtedly the favorite, even while playing with a reserve squad.
We have seen many surprising results in the World Cup over the years, but this year’s edition is witnessing more than most. In fact, this World Cup is only the fourth edition in 92 years of the competition’s history where no team won all their group stage matches – and the first since 1994.
Why so many surprises in this year’s tournament?
The Qatar World Cup is a World Cup like no other.
It is the first to be held in the Middle East and the first to take place in the middle of the traditional European football calendar.
Due to FIFA’s decision not to hold the World Cup in July, as usual, because of the high temperatures in Qatar during those months, most teams had just over a week of preparation for the main international football competition.
As a result, nations with players predominantly playing in one country showed better results at the outset. On the other hand, teams with players in leagues from all corners of the globe struggled for cohesion in their early matches.
Another factor to consider is the very nature of the tournament. For many players from teams with little experience in football, being in a World Cup is a unique opportunity. They do not know if they will be in another one in 4 years, unlike most countries with more football tradition. So, often, grit, dedication, and desire speak louder than skill itself.
Leveling the playing field?
But it is also important to consider that football is no longer restricted to the traditional centers of the sport in Europe and South America. More and more talented players are emerging all over the world.
FIFA’s chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger, said that the group stage “reflects the increasing competitiveness of football.”
“This is the result of better preparation and analysis of opponents, which is also a reflection of more equitable access to technology. It is very much aligned with FIFA’s efforts to increase the competitiveness of football on a global scale,” Wenger said.
Yes, European and South American teams still produce most of the best players in the world. But the days of easy victories in the group stage are long gone.
As we approach the quarter-finals, we can ask: will we have a non-European or South American winner in the Qatar World Cup? With only one representative from “the rest of the world” (Morocco), the probability is small, but who’s to say this can’t happen in the near future?