''It's All Over Now''
‘’It’s All Over Now’’
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As The Rolling Stones would say, it’s all over now. The curtains came down on the 22nd FIFA Men’s World Cup with a win for Argentina on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw with France. The tournament had witnessed 64 games, 172 goals [the most ever at a World Cup Finals tournament], penalty-shootout drama, shock upsets, individual brilliance and team heroics.
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Qatar 2022 will be remembered for perhaps the best final ever, and in footballing terms the tournament as a whole was up there with the best of the previous 21. This will be the lasting legacy of Qatar [rightly or wrongly, given the many valid off-field criticisms surrounding the selection and hosting of the tournament there].
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Aside from the human rights issues, treatment of migrant workers and allegations of bribery, there was fear as Qatar 2022 approached that a winter World Cup simply would not work. On this front it has proved the critics wrong, and it is this aspect of Qatar 2022 that I’d like to dwell on.
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The World Cup has always been something I’ve enjoyed. I’ve watched every instalment since 1974. Before 2022 they were always held in summer. Back when I was in school and college this was perfect as I was free to watch all the action. Since I’ve been working I have often taken summer vacation to coincide with World Cups.
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The thing about summer World Cups is that although they are something I always enjoyed, they were in the summer, a time when life is bright and sunny anyway. As someone who lives with depressive illness, summers are the easiest part of the year and winters the most difficult. Having a shot of football brightness at an already bright time of the year was a bit of a waste from my point of view.
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Now that I’ve experienced a winter World Cup, I hope it never reverts to summer. From mid-November right up to Christmas week Qatar 2022 has been on, brightening the shortest days of the year and warming up the long cold nights. It has made winter 2022 easy to manage from a depression point of view. It has brought me right up to the dawn of the new year, always a time of hope.
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2 年Great article Brian. I must admit I was one of those who said it would never work but like you said it actually did. Slightly wiered putting up the Christmas tree while a World Cup match was on. The final I have to admit was one of the best ever, will we ever see a match like taht again I don’t know. At least you now have a season of games watching your beloved Bray. Have a great festive season.