A spectacular goal, special record and the rise of Asia in Qatar

IT has been blowing hot and cold in Qatar. There have been many complaints, some big scores, bigger shocks – and even an individual World Cup record that’s not likely to be surpassed.

For the hosts, though, it has not been a very good World Cup. Their team couldn’t manage a single shot at goal as they floundered to a 0-2 defeat by Ecuador. At half-time, their own fans swarmed out of the stadium.

The problems on the field were the least of their woes. They have been barracked roundly for other problems.

They reneged on a deal with Budweiser, doing an 11th hour U-turn, there have been ticketing problems and teams have been threatening protests over some of the country’s policies and even Harry Kane walked in wearing a Rainbow Rolex to show his displeasure.

Qatar officials are probably wondering why they bid to host the show in the first place. They spent Us$200bil (Rm900bil) on the World Cup. Almost a trillion ringgit – and all they get is bad publicity.

The action on the field, though, has been exhilarating. And it is Asia that has stolen the show.

There were the Saudis, unfancied against the mighty Messi-led Argentina. And what a shocker. The Saudis produced what is likely to be the greatest World Cup of all time, winning 2-1. Saudi Arabia even declared a public holiday after the victory.

The Argentines, the third ranked team in the world, had no answer to the Asian side’s offside trap.

But all is not lost for Argentina as Poland and Mexico fought out a 0-0 draw. They can still top the group if results go right.

Then it was Germany’s turn to be humbled by Asia – again.

The great Germans who lifted the Cup in 2014, including a 7-2 semi-final win over Brazil, had lost 0-2 to South Korea in 2018 as they went out in the group stage.

The jinx struck again in Qatar with Japan pulling off a 2-1 upset. The Japanese made clean work of it, in every sense. They even left the dressing room spotless afterwards while their fans cleaned up the stadium stands.

The Germans covered their mouths in protest at the start of the match but all of Germany had their hands over their mouths in disbelief after the final whistle.

Despite the shock, much of Germany was quiet. The Germans have pretty much given up on this World Cup Finals and there were no fan gatherings, no sports bars. For a nation so proud of its football, the defeat was almost just shrugged off.

With Spain up next, another first round exit looms.

South Korea, the only Asian to have qualified for a World Cup semi-final, were also in fine form, holding world No. 14 Uruguay to a goalless draw.

With Portugal and Ghana to come, the Koreans look confident of a place in the second round.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in five World Cups in a 3-2 win over Ghana – their first opening match win since 2006 – but his nation is not going to be rejoicing just yet.

It was a laboured win over the lowest-ranked team in the tournament with Ghana deserving of at least a draw. And it was Ghana striker Osman Bukari who did the “Siuuu” celebrations.

So, who are the favourites now that the first round of matches are over.

For now, the money would be on a newly rebuilt Spain, who romped to a 7-0 win over Costa Rica, France who also chalked up a big 4-1 win over Australia and England, who were scintillating in their 6-2 win over a rather uninterested Iran.

Of course, there is also Brazil. The best was saved for the last, with the samba masters turning on the magic in the second half against Serbia. And Richarlison scored a sizzler, which will be an early contender for Goal of the Tournament.

Brazil are looking good for a sixth title. And their star striker Neymar is already wearing shorts with six stars.

But these are early days. The second round that began last night, will be more telling.