Let the games begin

The world’s biggest football tournament is under way in Qatar, as unlikely a venue as could be imagined. The desert sheikhdom is so hot in the summer that the event was shifted to the late autumn, disrupting league competitions across the northern hemisphere. Much has been said about the unsuitability of Qatar for the World Cup, including the price of beer and the country’s attitude towards women, and to gays, lesbians and other minorities. How it came to be awarded the tournament is shrouded in mystery, but we are where we are and can now only hope for an exciting event of high-quality sport. Two home countries, England and Wales, are participating and both kick off their campaigns today. We wish them luck.