Can the World Cup help to eradicate racism?

Viewers have been treated to some spectacular matches and many unexpected results. The earlier game between Spain and Portugal turned out to be a classic. The pick of the early matches. The past winners were in many cases disappointing, as were some of the most gloating comments on the demise of Germany used by TV announcers who by their choice of words did nothing to enhance their own credibility.

The media, as always looking for stories connected to football, decided that the England manager had become a fashion icon, merely by wearing a waistcoat.

Brazil is a name that conjures up images of football played with style, though after the crushing defeat they suffered in their home World Cup four years ago their credibility has somewhat diminished. However, when ‘Jesus’ appeared on the pitch wearing Brazilian colours, hopes soared – unfortunately the much-anticipated miracle never materialised, so Brazil were eliminated.

France, though, did not lose a game during the league stages but were unconvincing until they played Argentina. When they played Belgium in the semi-final the whole of the French team defended their slender lead until the final whistle.

Though I am not an England fan, in the interest of fair play I cannot avoid giving credit where it is due. In times during the recent past some players were reluctant to put on an English shirt. Not so now.

Southgate inspired his young team, they want to play and have team spirit and a few showed real footballing skills. Trippier`s free kick that gave England the lead in the semi-final was struck perfectly.

They can build on how far they went.

Many believe that events like the World Cup, where fans of all nationalities mix freely together, can help to eradicate racism.

When France won the World Cup in 1998 it did much to put a real ‘value’ on black people in that country, where a degree of racism was the norm, as it is in many European countries to this day.

There was real concern about Russia hosting the World Cup, but the organisers did a super job, as did their team getting to the knockout stages.

So to the final – how does Croatia find so many brilliant players from a population of only four million plus? They started much the better side and were only undone by the dreaded set piece. VAR influenced the referee enough for him to award France a penalty. When they won the World Cup in 1998 they played ‘Champagne’ football. Well they played lots at times in this tournament also and in so doing earned the right to drink some after their winning display.

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