The historic victory of Saudi Arabia against Argentina yesterday in the FIFA World Cup was the talking point among all football fans around the world. This victory by the Saudi team over the two-time world champions is significant as it happened in the first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Arab region.
In three days, Qatar 2022 has already proved that this will be the best World Cup ever as all the different parts of organizing one of the biggest tournaments in the world have come together in perfect harmony, be it logistics, access to stadiums, security, or fan entertainment.
It is events like this and the stunning Saudi victory that will help spread the beautiful game of football to more places. The win yesterday by Green Falcons is not the first for them in a World Cup but against an Argentinian team, who came to Qatar on a 36-match unbeaten streak, makes it one of the best and most memorable.
The importance of this momentous victory can be gauged from the fact that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz has announced a holiday in Saudi Arabia in celebration of the win over Lionel Messi’s men.
This World Cup has managed to give rare access to not only the football fans from this region but also from South Asia and Africa as it is much easier for them to travel to Qatar to watch their favourite team’s matches.
This will do a tonne of good for football as the interest in the game will percolate further to remote areas where it has not reached yet.
Football as a sport plays many important roles as it brings people together, teaches kids the value of fitness, and instills the value of team spirit and fair play.
And, like a Tunisian fan said in a media report “It was a huge joy to see Saudi win. The fact that the World Cup is in Qatar and we’re Arabs, it gives us a lot of energy and excitement.”
It’s this positive vibe that will propel the game further in the Arab world and will produce a World Cup winner from the region in the future. A spectacle like Qatar 2022 and the stunning Saudi victory will help create more local heroes to inspire the young, to show them anything is achievable if done with the right intent.
As the football fever peaks in Qatar in the coming days, let us collectively immerse in the celebration of this beautiful game and come together as a team to enjoy its success.
