© twitter
Today, on November 20, the biggest football event of this decade begins in Qatar - the World Cup. The end of autumn - the beginning of winter is a very unusual time for the World Cup, but there are several reasons why this tournament can be special and memorable.
Last Time in THIS Format
A 32-team tournament format is the easiest format for a neutral viewer to understand. Such formats may also include 16 or 8 team tournaments. However, this championship will mark the end of an era. This will be the last tournament with 32 teams. This format has been used since 1998 - in seven championships. The next World Cup will feature 48 national teams - with 16 groups of 3 teams. There are rumors that the group format may change by the 2026 World Cup, but 48 teams will remain, and the World Cup will move into a new era starting in North America. Obviously, watching the tournament in Qatar, we can enjoy the simplicity of the format and not worry too much about A, Z, or Y - two teams from each group will advance.
32 nations compete but only one will win it all 🏆
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 20, 2022
The 2022 World Cup kicks off tomorrow 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rIBrNGKsSX
Tournament Tempo
An interesting fact is that this World Cup will be the fastest since 1978. The reason for this is the interference of the World Cup in the club football schedule, which has always taken place in the summer. However, considering everything, one can also see the positive side. During the tournament, a total of 7 matches will be played, starting at 12 p.m., with football taking place all day on those days. The schedule of this tournament cannot be called slow in any way - everything will happen quickly and smoothly. The quarterfinals will take place over 4 days, the semifinals - over two.
Career Sunsets
Yes, in this tournament we will witness not just one emotional farewell of football legends from national teams. This will likely be a tournament with an abundance of such farewells. Luka Modric and Lionel Messi have already publicly talked about their last championships. We can say that this will be the last World Cup for players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski, Gareth Bale. It will be emotional, but maybe we'll see the cherry on top? Imagine a Portugal-Argentina final, Ronaldo against Messi - that would break the internet forever.
The picture of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi playing Chess together has broken the internet. I can't even imagine what would happen if they meet in the WC final. pic.twitter.com/dVtUlz2K0o
— Preeti (@MadridPreeti) November 19, 2022
Qatar's Scandals
Unfortunately, scandals in Qatar during the championship also have the potential to make this tournament special. So far, this country has been marked by a lack of respect for a well-known Danish journalist, unsold beer in stadiums, fake fans, and very strange, low-quality hotels for exorbitant prices. And this should only be the tip of the iceberg. The championship should not take place in such a state, as former FIFA president and criminal Sepp Blatter admitted, though it is now easy for him to speak. The championship should not take place at this time of year, summer and such a football event are inseparable. Nevertheless, we must accept this and focus on watching quality football.
Views of one of the World Cup fan villages in Doha, Qatar.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 9, 2022
A stay at Al Emadi costs over $200 per night 📸 pic.twitter.com/yh6QfIpcBZ
The World Cup takes place every 4 years. It will continue to take place every 4 years, despite rumors. It is quite clear why this championship has the potential to be amazing and memorable. Let's hope that our expectations will be met, or even exceeded - the football event is coming to our screens!
