“We want Africa to be top of the world”

 Today it’d be Argentina VS France. Some say it’s actually Argentina VS Africa. Forget it! Cheering on the French is one thing. But defining the team as an African team would do no good to African football which created real earthquakes in Qatar 2022. You could understand where that notion came from as the number of dark-skinned is quite significant. Do you remember years back when the French lifted the trophy what the far right Le Pen person said of the team, “Not white enough!” That was what he said. Not a very nice welcome, is it!

Yes, like most things skin color is a very visible and highly controversial issue not only in football but in all sports. So it is only natural for us to cheer those who looked like us.

No wonder there are many highly skilled dark skinned players especially in the European leagues. The fact is when you’re ‘from another skin complexion’ you’ve to do extra better than ‘the originals.’ These black players in European teams are at their highest levels because they work extra hard. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui says:

 “European journalists do not like African teams playing like Europeans. In the past African teams were seen as teams who played for fun but were not effective. Those days are over.” Yes they are over and the Moroccans proved it. In the opening days of the up when unexpected teams put all predictions on their  heads there were items which claimed there was worry in the football administrative circles. What if an African team made it all the way to the final! That should have made everyone who wants to see the football monopoly broken. But no; that’s not the case. An African team in the finals would be financial disasters. It is strange. But then times have changed the football bosses should be ready for a new world order when it comes to soccer.

One thing Qatar 2022 would be remembered for is the disastrous refereeing that clouded many of the games. No wonder that all kinds of conspiracy theories are flying around.

Messi said: “I don’t want to speak about referees because after they will sanction you. But people saw what happened. Messi spoke and the poor guy was kicked all the way to Spain. Many accuse FIFA acting because of Messi’s criticisms and the guy shouldn’t have been humiliated that way. Goalie Martinez said, “The referee was just giving everything for them…. He just wanted them to score, that’s basically it…. He’s useless.” That’s what they made him to be… useless; at least for this world cup.

Well, that man seems to have added an unwanted color to the tournament. Seventeen yellow cards! That’s some feat, wouldn’t you say? And there was also a red card. But then one can’t deny that it was a very tension filled game. Maybe this guy was thinking of putting the game under control as he tried to do in the Iran-USA game. I mean no one can blame him of lacking in the knowledge of the rules of the game being such an important presence in Spanish LA Liga.

 And the Argentinians have their share of strong criticisms from the Spaniards. Pepe says “After what happened yesterday, with Messi talking, all of Argentina was talking and the referee comes here to blow the whistle. I’m not saying that he comes here conditioned…but what did we play the second half? We weren’t allowed to play the second half.”

Bruno Fernandez was angry too; “We already know how it works … before the game we already knew what we were in for, and what kind of referee we would find.” I don’t know if they’re going to give the trophy to Argentina. I don’t care, I’m going to say what I think and screw them. It’s very weird that a ref officiates us from a country still in the competition… clearly; they’ve tilted the field against us.”

This world cup goes as one of the worst when it comes to refereeing decision. No wonder conspiracy theories fly around. Conspiracies of seeking to make an already selected team champions. It was also about Europe and the others. By the way what is going on with good old Ronaldo! Before the fallout with his coach he had some issues in one game he played. Despite his undisputed place as one of the greatest footballers of all times he was once  again of theatrics when he tumbled for the slightest touch that wouldn’t fall a five year old, some said. He got the penalty. The funny part is the referee wasn’t willing to look at VAR for second opinion. Now that’s not a good refereeing when clear controversies are …but the Portugal is Europe and Ghana is Africa.

Well, that man seems to have added an unwanted color to the tournament. Seventeen yellow cards! That’s some feat, wouldn’t you say? And there was also a red card. But then one can’t deny that it was a very tension filled game. Maybe this guy was thinking of putting the game under control as he tried to do in the Iran-USA game. I mean no one can blame him of lacking in the knowledge of the rules of the game being such an important presence in Spanish La Liga.

Just in passing I’ve a little confession to make. I’ll tell you what, though I’m not a ‘fan’ of any of the two teams in today’s final I still want to see Lionel Messi’s hands around that cup. He deserves it. It is not only about his football skills. It is also about his professional discipline never trying to force his way into the spotlight as many seem to be fond of doing, never overreacting, and never offending fans of opposing teams.  Is the world ready for an African World champions. It should be. The Moroccans almost did it. As their coach put it; “We want Africa to be top of the world.” Cheers! You almost made it.

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 18 DECEMBER 2022

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