First Week of World Cup in Qatar Brings Two Records: One Positive and One Negative

Already the first week of the biggest sporting event this year, the men’s football 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has brought two records, one which belongs to the category of positive and one negative.

This is the first time an Arab nation has hosted a major sporting event. Controversies surrounding it, however, have hampered it. Over $3 million was allegedly given to FIFA officials by Qatar as bribes to host the event. These accusations, though, were later resolved. The treatment of employees contracted to build the infrastructure was one of the most talked-about topics surrounding the World Cup 2022, along with migrant workers, charges of slavery, and fatalities. The kafala system, according to Human Rights Watch and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), exposes migrants to routine mistreatment.

When the tournament started, the fans were complaining about not being allowed to drink alcohol around and within the premises of the event. Then, there was an issue over banning fans and players to wear rainbow colors on flags, shirts, and captain armbands to support the LGBTQ+ community. Both issues are something that shuts down freedom as Western civilization sees it. But, Qatar wanted all participants to obey its rules and religion given they are the hosts.

But, let’s get back to football-related stuff that marked the first week of the World Cup…

Ronaldo Converts (Gifted) Penalty Against Ghana to Set Positive WC record

In a frenetic first hour on Thursday night at Stadium 974 in Doha, Cristiano Ronaldo’s fifth World Cup came to life for both positive and negative reasons.

After 60 minutes of goalless play, Portugal broke through to defeat Ghana 3-2. However, the Ghanaian coach Otto Addo described the penalty-causing play as “a special gift from the referee.” Ronaldo earned and successfully executed a penalty, but was it necessary to be called? Both the Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu and the Portuguese star looked to make touch with the ball as they both stretched for it. Ismael Elfath, the American referee, pointed to the penalty spot. He didn’t get his video ‘helper’ from the VAR room to step in. The eruption started when Ronaldo converted the penalty kick in the 65th minute to become the first player to score in five World Cups.

Qatar Out of WC to Set Negative Record

After losing to Senegal 3-1 on Friday, Qatar became the first World Cup host nation to be eliminated after just two games.

Even if there’s still one more group round, it’s mathematically impossible for the 2022 World Cup hosts to be among the top two teams in Group A and advance to the next round. Both the Netherlands and Ecuador won their opening matches of the competition; Ecuador defeated Qatar 2-0, and both teams tied 1-1 on Friday. Following Senegal’s victory over Qatar, it has three points, giving them a total of four. Even with a victory over the Netherlands on Tuesday, Qatar will only have three points.

We all knew it was a long shot for Qatar to advance to the knockout stages going into the tournament (the odds of bookmakers with Android apps will clear on this), the nation’s elimination after just two games is a major letdown for a country that spent more than a decade preparing for the World Cup. The infrastructure for Qatar’s national football team was constructed for the competition, and the team participated in tournaments like the North American Gold Cup to prepare for the World Cup.

The only other nation to be eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage aside from Qatar was South Africa, 12 years ago.