It’s the stuff of legend

AFTER 210 teams entered the tournament – including debuts for Bhutan, South Sudan, Gibraltar and Kosovo – 872 matches, 2 454 goals and the attendance of 18 720 691 supporters during the qualification stages, the final 32 nations will participate in the Fifa World Cup 2018 in Russia from today.

Over the next four weeks, culminating in the final on July 15, teams will battle each other to hold aloft the Fifa World Cup Trophy.

They will look inward during times of strife to find greatness, experience the agony of defeat, celebrate the grandeur of greatness achieved and the jubilation of victory. In the 12 host stadiums, spread across the vast steppes of 11 Russian cities, the world’s greatest current players – Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Andrés Iniesta and Neymar, to name but a few – and the nations they represent – Brazil, Germany, Spain and France among the favourites – will rediscover the emotions that truly define mankind and make us all great. Let’s for a moment forget about the controversies that surround the tournament – from Fifa’s corrupt bidding process that marred the early days of Russia’s participation, the now almost constant threat of terrorism at such an event and the manoeuvrings of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and his government which seeks to redefine geopolitical influence in Eastern Europe – and take joy in the virtuosity that will be on display in the coming month.

Indeed, the World Cup transcends all those travails and has the power to bring us all together. As Clint Smith, American poet and author, said: “The beauty of the World Cup is that while 32 countries get to cheer for their respective teams, the event also affirms a global pluralism – it is as much a festival of cultural multiplicity as it is a competition featuring some of the best athletes in the world.”

And the athletes that have contributed to the myth that has become the World Cup are themselves legends. From Pele to Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff to Zinedine Zidane, Roger Milla and Didier Drogba, each has left their indelible mark, through their rousing victories and abject defeats. In the coming weeks, who is to know which new hero will emerge to stand upon the echelons of the beautiful game.

To our African neighbours who will participate in the event – Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia – we wish you the best of luck and our support. Do the continent proud and make it a showpiece to remember.