South American giants face European test
Hindustan Times|December 09, 2022
More qualifying slots, academies, street football and greater resources keep Europe and South America ahead of other continents
South American giants face European test

All continents planet were represented round of 16 of this World Cup, a first. There were two from Africa for the second time ever, three from Asia - a first-USA carried the flag for North and Central Americas with Europe and South America filling up the rest.

It had Arsene Wenger pointing out that more countries have "acquired the tools to compete at the highest level." Wenger, FIFA's head of global football development, also said that it reflected a more even access to technology. After pointing out that it was a sign of greater global competitiveness, Gianni Infantino said this boded well for the rest of the competition.

"I have seen all the matches, indeed, and put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever," said Infantino, the FIFA president, on Wednesday.

After another round of games, all Asian teams have been knocked out and only Morocco remain from Africa. That means there is one-eighth chance of a team from Africa winning the tournament for the first time.

Conversely, there could be allEuropean semi-finals if Netherlands and Croatia make the penultimate round and Portugal end Morocco's run. Or there could be an all-South American semi-final between Brazil and Argentina.

European rule

There hasn't been a team from South America in the final since 2014 and only once before that when Brazil won their fifth title, in 2002, in the last six editions.

The previous 21 World Cups have been won by teams from Europe and South America.

This story is from the December 09, 2022 edition of Hindustan Times.

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This story is from the December 09, 2022 edition of Hindustan Times.

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