It is more accurate to avoid expressing any matter in an absolute manner that leaves no room for the possibility of a development contradicting what the journalist assumes when writing a report or creating a headline. This applies equally to the author of the article. Avoiding the use of words that definitively dismiss any doubt—such as the boastful phrases like “without a doubt”—saves the writer from the embarrassment of being asked: Where is the evidence for what you claim is indisputable? This is one of the basics of journalistic editing, as understood by earlier practitioners, and as known and still practiced by proofreading professionals working in the editorial offices of newspapers and magazines in various languages. Therefore, it is only right for me to correct the title of my article before I inconvenience the colleague responsible for that not-so-simple task, so the more accurate title would be: Qatar... A "World Cup" That Is Likely Not to Repeat.
Before delving into more details, there is another significant aspect that needs clarification; namely, I do not claim even a speck of expertise in sports commentary, and what’s perhaps worse is my lack of interest in following football matches. This stems from a distaste for them since my early years, when I had a disagreement with a close friend over the course of a neighborhood team match. The disagreement almost escalated into a fight, and when it seemed that conflict was inevitable, I hastened to withdraw from the "war" while it was still an intense debate. After realizing that the choice was between winning a battle of opinions and losing a friend, I found myself preferring friendship over the pretense of victory in my opinion against another’s viewpoint. By the way, the friend I’m referring to was the most argumentative among my peers during my youth, but the intensity of our discussions on any issue did not spoil the goodwill between us. He continued to care about football even after enrolling in the Faculty of Law at Cairo University, graduating with honors, then teaching in Algeria, and eventually becoming a professor in one of the universities in the Gaza Strip.
The point I wish to make, which I assume is not a matter of contention or debate, is that mutual respect among holders of differing views always strengthens the bonds of friendship and prevents the breakdown of the social contract within any society, thus avoiding the pitfalls of chaos.
Preventing any manifestation of disorder was, in my opinion, one of Qatar’s most important achievements in organizing the 2022 World Cup; it is a fact that will be recorded in the annals of the International Football Federation (FIFA), whose president, Gianni Infantino, did not hesitate to express “thanks to all participants, to Qatar, and to all the volunteers who made this World Cup the best ever.” This, in itself, is a commendation rightfully cherished by Qatar as a nation, community, and institution. It is well known that most global football tournaments are not free from incidents of hooliganism and clashes, whether between fans of the teams or sometimes between fans and the police. Such events have been witnessed at various international competitions, and some of them escalated into violent confrontations, similar to those previously caused by English fans known as “hooligans,” who do not hesitate to create disturbances even within Britain itself.
As for the surprises of the Qatar World Cup, represented by the astonishing results of several matches, there is no shame in mentioning them, as they say. Since the tournament began, a succession of unexpected surprises followed, starting with Saudi Arabia's shocking victory over Argentina, through Germany's defeat at the hands of Japan, culminating in Tunisia's win over France, and ending with what can be termed the miracles of the Moroccan team, the “Lions of the Atlas,” against Spain and Portugal, and their confrontation with France in the semifinals. Yes, it is true that none of the Arab teams reached the cup match last Sunday, but it is also true that the Arab teams surprised everyone with their impressive performance. It is also very true that the first Arab country to host the World Cup has succeeded in presenting an image that is a point of pride for the Arab world. Thank you, Qatar, and farewell to a World Cup that is unlikely to repeat.
