Brazil, Argentina and Morocco are today challenging the brutal dominance of Europe in the last two decades of the World Cup, a giant that is once again making its way to Qatar 2022 without the slightest interest in handing over control.
Doha, December 8 (PL) - Brazil, Argentina and Morocco are today challenging the brutal dominance of Europe in the last two decades of the World Cup, a giant that is once again making its way to Qatar 2022 without the slightest interest in handing over control.
Four of the five champions of the 21st century came from the so-called old continent, and only the South American giant asserted the weight and talent of its soccer 20 years ago in the Japan-South Korea Cup.
Italy, Spain, Germany and France reigned in the most recent editions, almost always with struggles against neighbors, as only Argentina earned the chance in 2014, when Lionel Messi and the late coach Alejandro Sabella came close to winning glory.
Excluding the Auriverdes and Albicelestes, only two other teams have had the pleasure of advancing to the semifinal round since 1970: South Korea as hosts and Uruguay in 2010.
No African team has made it to the top four in the past, nor has anyone from North, Central America and the Caribbean since the United States (third place) in the first World Cup in 1930.
Only the Americas and Europe, with nine and 12 titles, respectively, have the privilege of tasting success, a fact that reveals the antagonism between these continents and, in turn, their power over the rest of the planet.
Brazil, with five crowns and the greatest winner of all time, Argentina (two) and Uruguay (two, although they have not won since 1950) feel the pride of knowing they are worthy defenders in a universal celebration filled with bittersweet sensations due to the power of a few.
Thus, the current tournament in the Middle East presents a new chance to break the chain of triumphs of the current dominators, and even Morocco faces the challenge of turning history on its head and achieving an unprecedented result against Portugal.
The other quarter-final clashes leave the option of a full European field in the run-up to the battle for reign, as Brazil faces Croatia, Argentina will face the Netherlands and the remaining place will go to England-France, the reigning leaders of the competition.
Will the Americas be able to tear Europe's superiority? What role will the Moroccans play in this war? Who will win the first ecumenical tournament on Arabian soil?
Questions abound as the eight survivors prepare their strategies and dream of breathing a sigh of relief until December 18, the day of the grand finale.
