The World Cup is a great leveller. More so in Qatar 2022. Three teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) made it to the second round for the first time. Iran and Saudi Arabia came close to progressing.
This had briefly silenced the detractors of Asian football, till they were back in full force after the round of 16. True. South Korea were outclassed by the best team in the world; Australia's heroic effort was not enough to contain, arguably, the greatest player of all time; and Japan, unlucky not to win before the penalty shootout, did not deserve to go through with their dismal kicks from 12 yards out.
The African story of grit and graft at Qatar 2022 also looked to be heading the Asian way until the Atlas Lions eliminated Spain in the round of 16. The eliminated African teams, too, gave a good account of themselves. In short, 10 of the 11 sides from the two largest continents did well.
The fact that Asian and African teams have become capable of challenging the European and South American teams is especially relevant ahead of the 48-team World Cup in 2026. There are those who say the expansion would result in more also-rans from Asia and Africa qualifying. But the determination of the Japanese and the fierce resistance of the Moroccans will inspire other Asian and African teams in future World Cups.
Interestingly, both these countries benefited from the European football ecosystem. Here is a closer look at the two successful models.
Japan: A league of their own
Esta historia es de la edición December 18, 2022 de THE WEEK India.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 18, 2022 de THE WEEK India.
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A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
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COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
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India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
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MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
SAHEB LOSES STEAM
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