More World Cup Dramas Ahead?

Lifestyle
3 Dec 2022
1 year ago
Suresh Nair

Font Size:

The form books have completely dried up and this appears to be the most unpredictable of World Cups ever…held in the very heart of the desert for the first time!

Just like you’re reading it now, even the best pundits are shaking their heads at the almost unending string of upsets. Booted out also include the favourites just as the knockout stages kick off with four-time champions Germany, rather unbelievably, returning home.

“Of all the unexpected lessons learnt so far at this World Cup, perhaps the biggest one is that you write Japan and South Korea off at your peril,” says award-winning Singapore coach Jita Singh, in an SMS to me from Doha.

Together with Australia, they are the three Asian teams that have qualified for the knockout stages. “Now their next opponents must be on their toes because the trio emerge as the comeback kings of Qatar,” Jita adds.

"Their next opponents, Croatia, must be on their toes because Japan now emerges as the comeback kings of Qatar."

Japan's Shocker

Japan’s brilliant recovery to beat Germany in their first game of the tournament felt like a freak result when they followed it up with a limp defeat to Costa Rica that left them as outsiders to reach the last 16.

But, back at Khalifa International Stadium, also the scene of that stunning opening victory, Hajime Moriyasu’s side staged a brilliant repeat performance, beating Spain 2-1 with a contentious goal requiring a long VAR check, to emerge as unlikely winners of Group E.

They now become only the third team in World Cup history to be losing at half-time to come back and win two matches in the same tournament, after Brazil in 1938 and West Germany in 1970.

Part of the Asian contingent, Australia, too, have made it. And deserving credit to Saudi Arabia and Iran, as Asian teams put on their best shows.

South Korea stunned, too, with a last-gasp goal to outwit the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal 2-1.

And deserving of credit are Saudi Arabia and Iran, who did not qualify but put on their best shows.

“It’s not winning but playing to big hearts in every match,” says former Malaysia Cup striker Simon Fernandez, 68.

"I'm proud that Asian teams have shown remarkable improvements this time around."

An Efficient Host

Even host Qatar, despite the multiple off-the-field criticisms, can hold its head high for staging what has been a well-run tournament, although they missed making it to the knockout stages.

This is only the second time in the 92-year history of the World Cup that the hosts have failed to make it past the group stages; from the three first-round games, Qatar had no wins, one goal and six shots on target.

Singapore diplomat Zainul Abidin Rasheed, who is Ambassador to Kuwait, however, roots for Qatar.

"I was hoping Qatar would at least go to the second round. But alas they lost at crucial stages of the first-round matches. I believe there are ardent Qatar fans throughout Asia, who deserve the good games from Asian teams."

More to come, perhaps.

Now let’s keep fingers crossed that the knockout stages, from the quarterfinals onwards this weekend, will bring more surprising results.

So Many Ways To Read Your Books

Used to be you could grab a book off a shelf and be lost in another world. These days, books are harder to come by. But it’s a good thing there’s no shortage of reading matter. From physical libraries to online libraries and ebooks we walk you through your options.

June 27, 2023

Lifestyle

Trekking By Numbers: Easy to DON’T!

The intrepid Valerie Valberg-Yeoh hits the trails and drains as she explores Singapore off the beaten path. She ranks the treks along the Central Corridor, to help you as you consider your options while navigating the island’s green terrain: From the easy Bukit TImah Nature Reserve to the daunting Clementi Forest.

January 31, 2023

Suresh Nair

One of Singapore’s well-followed sports and obituary commentators, he keeps a sharp eye and pencil on his targets.

Tags: event, hobbies, sport, world cup

Share This Article

Explore More

Acting For Seniors

December 1, 2022

Lifestyle

Singapore Night Festival 2023: Hit The Hottest Spots In The Least Steps Possible

August 18, 2023

Upcoming Events

Jalan-Jalan Kakis – Labrador Park

Tue, 7 May 2024

8:00am - 10:30am

Free

Community

Secondary: the Musical by Checkpoint Theatre

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 - Sun, 28 Apr 2024

Multiple Timeslots

15% off for seniors

Shows

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.