The carnival of World Cup Football goes beyond playground

It may not be the greatest show on earth but, without any doubt, it is the single greatest sporting event ever. Yes, it is the World Cup Football. The honorific of the 'greatest show' goes to the Olympics because it features hundreds of events across dozens of disciplines. But the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup reaches its final stage through a gruelling multi-year, multi-continent qualification process, involving over 200 nations. The Olympics may have some unique disciplines only a few countries may excel in. Their viewership is limited and selective. But the WC football is followed all across the world. In fact, it is the most-watched sporting spectacle on the planet. Reportedly, 1.5 billion viewers watched the 2022 World Cup final. No discipline of the Olympics can match this massive global audience. This year the number of viewers is likely to increase.
Why is the game of football so popular then? One short answer is that it is quaintly simple. There is just one ball that 11 players on each side compete for to send it into the opposite net. Quite easy to follow by even the most layman enthusiast, although it is not that simple as it apparently seems to be. The formation of team on the field with tactical game plan is not everybody's cup of tea. But this does not stand in the way of appreciating the game. The spectators or viewers want to see goals. They idolise a few players who are known for prolific score of goals. That means the attacking unit gets more attention than the defence line. But the goal keeper can at times get the unique opportunity of drawing attention elevating the person under the bar to the status of a hero.
This year's ball Adidas TRIONDA is the most advanced football ever made. It has censors inside it. A 500 Hz (Hertz) sensor tracks every single touch and movement 500 times per second. It can send precise, real-time data instantly to referees to aid in faster in-game officiating. Not many football lovers may be interested in such changes in the ball and the subsequent facilities. This year's expanded format featuring 48 national football teams ---up from last time's 32---competing across 104 matches has brought minnows like Curacao to rub shoulders against the traditional football super powers. Many favour this expansion but others disfavour this because of the extremely unequal strength between teams. But there is nothing to oppose it especially when some pigmies have fought admirably against the championship contenders.
No other single game with so many participants is played on sporting turfs. This is why WC Football is a carnival unmatched by any other. If Curacao or Cape Verde can get an opportunity to play against the giants, footballers in countries like Bangladesh get a psychological boost to their morale. The confidence is what really matters on course of pursuing a dream. When the cherished dream comes true, nobody knows but the hope is ignited and the dream is likely to materialise one day. The group-stage matches have produced some surprises and at the same time highlighted the team spirits of teams like Cape Verde. Their draw against Spain has created a milestone not only for the island state but also for the World Cup.
Against this, the hero worship has also been at its best with some of the football talents making their statements in their first outing. This means that this year records will tumble like nine pins. Mbappe, Haaland, Harry Kane and, above all, Messi have announced their presence in emphatic style. Only Ronaldo faltered in the first match. This does not mean he will not stage a comeback. People follow these star players not for nothing; they show the world how footballing glory is not different from life's achievements in other fields.
Football or any other sport vindicates the fact that inborn talents need to be nurtured to push the bar higher and higher. These footballers have shown the world how the skill can be taken to the next level. Apparently, they do it with their gifted legs but the rigorous training they go through and the physical fitness maintained by them have made them what they are today. Some of these iconic players will say goodbye to the game soon but their achievements will immortalise them. Their value is not only reflected in the entertainment they provided but also as a lesson for people in other areas of life.