The adrenaline is pumping, the excitement is palpable, and the football frenzy among fans is only growing as the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar approaches.
This world cup is unique in that it is not only the first winter World Cup, but it is also the first one to be held in the Arab world and only the second to be held entirely in Asia after the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan. It also has the distinction of being the smallest country to host a FIFA World Cup. According to a variety of experts and reports, the Qatar World Cup is also the most expensive of all time.
That being said, football fans live for watching their favorite teams play beautiful games and score spectacular goals or script dramatic results as their emotions fluctuate with each match. And, as usual, small town Mokokchung’s enthusiasm for this beautiful game named football is unmistakable.
Since the last week of August, fans have been hoisting the flags of their favorite teams not only in their homes but also in their cars, streets and so on, and with such a craze going on, predictions and opinions are unavoidable.
Therefore, Mokokchung Times takes you on a trip to find out what football fans in Mokokchung have to say. We ask them two queries:
- Which nation do you support in world football and since when?
- Which nation do you think will win the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and why?
Our first respondent, Yanglo Pongen, Associate Pastor, MTBA said: “I have been supporting Argentina since the time I started knowing about football because the entire world knew about one footballer and that was Maradona. So, since then, I have been supporting Argentina. My mom knows only one footballer in the world- MARADONA.
“I believe that Argentinean manager Lionel Scaloni has formed a strong team for Qatar. In the squad we can see some experienced senior players like Romero and Otamendi at centre back. On the left there is Gomez who is a swift winger. On the right there is the confident player de Maria. Young players like Alvarez in the centre forward are quick in placing the ball for the strikers. And the one and only Messi who I believe will be his last to be seen in the Fifa World Cup. He will perform his best in Qatar. And yes not forgetting the keeper Martinez who will do his best to keep the ball from crossing the line. So I believe Argentina will take home the cup.”
Imlikumzuk Longkumer, President, MDCA said: I have supported Germany in world football since the 1986 World Cup finals played in Mexico. England have a much better chance of winning the world cup at Qatar 2022, because they look to me a more balanced side in all factors as a team.
Imna Imchen said he is supporting England and has been supporting The Three Lions since 2002. However, he believes that France will win the World Cup because “they have a very balanced side both offensively and defensively” and in addition to it, he believes that Kylian Mbappe is the “X-factor that no other team can match up with.”
Meanwhile, Akang Imchen, who has been a fan of Germany since 2002, says he is supporting Germany but he believes Brazil will win the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for they have a strong starting 11 and “their form at the moment is phenomenal.”
“Also their squad depth is very strong too; unlike other countries without any injury concerns,” he adds.
Apong Ozukum admitted that he does not have a particular preference for he normally goes with the nation that has the most number of players playing from the club he supports.
“I started with England, but later shifted to Belgium and now I am back to England again,” he quipped and then added, “Well, as they say it, it’s coming home” which is a catchphrase for England supporters which emerged from the 1996 hit single “Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home)” written by comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and performed by The Lightning Seeds. It was also dubbed as the official anthem of Euro 1996 when England hosted the tournament.
Alem, who has supported Belgium since the 2014 World Cup, believes The Red Devils will lift the title this time for they have a great team with some of the greatest players of the era like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Lukaku. Moreover, he believes that their counter attack formation is very strong.
“I am supporting Belgium. I have been supporting Belgium since 2014-15. However, I believe Argentina will win. Messi has one of the best forms in all of Europe’s Top-5 leagues at the moment, a rejuvenated Paulo Dybala at Roma looks very exciting to watch and the overall structure of the team and their depth just looks like the squad to do it at Qatar this year. They also come into the tournament being undefeated for 35 games which is the longest streak in the history of the game, winning the Copa America along the way and beating European Champions Italy in the Finalissima 2022,” said Imkong Tzuwar.
“Even Brazil has a fair chance. Because unlike many other countries, Brazil and Argentina do not have many players that are injured. And since this is the first world cup that is being played during the mid-season, many players are injured – for instance, for France the likes of Kante and Paul Pogba are injured,” he adds.
“I am supporting Brazil and England. I have been supporting Brazil since 2002 and England since 2006. I believe Brazil has a fair chance of winning because they have a young and strong squad. They also have an experienced manager,” said Imti Jamir.
“I am supporting Germany. I have been a fan of Germany since 2002. However, Brazil or Argentina has a fair chance of winning. Brazil has a very strong squad with world class players while Argentina does have a great squad. Moreover, because it is Messi’s last World Cup, the players may give extra efforts,” Meren Longkumer opined.
Arsashi says, “I am supporting Germany. I have been supporting it since the 1990s. I can’t say which country will win because I want Germany to win. However, Argentina has lots of chances to win if we look at the squad. Their team set is really good. However, Belgium, Germany and Portugal are good teams too.”
Bendang, a teacher, says he supports Argentina and has been supporting the Albiceleste since 1990. He believes Argentina will take the title home because they got a good team this year. “They are on a winning run so far… hope it will be a good swansong for Messi,” he adds.
Rike say, “I support England. Well, being a Manchester United fan and I’ve been watching English Premier league since childhood… so I support England.”
“I think England will win this world cup because they’ve been in quarter final and semi final since 2018.And this squad has many good players who are in their best form… England has prime Foden , Bellingham… So I think if they don’t make the same mistakes, England will win the FIFA World Cup.”