The 22nd World Cup has ended and today we started the countdown to the
next tournament, the one that will take place in the summer of 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada. And what fun it
is to only have to wait 3 and a half years.
Over the past 30 days we have seen 64 matches in Qatar, some of which we have already
forgotten, but some of which have already entered the pantheon.
And there were some specific moments here in Qatar during the tournament that we will not forget.
Iran's players do not sing the national anthem
It happened in Iran's first match in the World Cup, against England.
In the background of the widespread protests all over the country following the story of the young woman from Sa Amini, who died after being caught by the modesty police.
In the stands, there were quite a few fans publicly cheering against the Ayatollah regime, and on the grass, when the players of the Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz stood during the playing of the national anthem, there was no doubt about their position, as they remained silent and did not sing.
Iran was defeated 6:2, and the players received an order from above that in the following games they would sing the national anthem.
Iran's players do not sing the national anthem, photo: Getty Images
Saudi Arabia beats Argentina
Historians have not yet been able to determine whether Argentina's loss against the Saudi team is the biggest surprise of all time, or perhaps the USA's victory over England in 1950 is still considered more sensational. But it doesn't really matter, because it really is a sensational surprise that will be talked about for decades to come years
Saudi Arabia came to the tournament ranked 31st among the 32 teams, and still managed in a great second half to make a change against Leo Messi and his friends.
In the end it didn't change much, as the Saudis were eliminated at the end of the first round, while for Argentina this loss only did good.
Coach Scalloni changed the lineup, and from the next game, against Mexico, the Albiceleste went on a winning streak - until the final.
Saudi Arabia celebrates over Argentina, photo: Getty Images
Leo Messi's goal against Mexico
The loss in the opening game against Saudi Arabia meant that all of Argentina's subsequent games became all but nothing.
For those, if the team loses in them - it will go home.
The first was against Mexico, and in the first half it didn't seem like anything had changed.
Argentina was stressed and nervous and could not function.
Then, in one moment of genius, in the 64th minute, Leo Messi swung his leg and sent a tremendous kick outside the box that defeated "Momo" Ochoa.
At this moment, Argentina's miraculous journey to the finals truly began.
Messi's goal against Mexico.
The beginning of the journey to the title, photo: AP
Vaught and Horst's equality
Argentina seemed to be sailing on the way to the semi-finals when they led against the mediocre Netherlands 0:2.
Tens of thousands of fans in blue and white at the Bluesail Stadium sang and celebrated.
Louis van Gaal, the Dutch coach, had no options left, and he threw all his bench strikers into the fray.
In the 83rd minute, the substitute Vout and Horst managed to score a goal from a shrink.
Holland continued to send balls into the box, mainly towards Luc de Jong, but could not get the equaliser.
Spanish referee Antonio Mateo Lajos added ten minutes.
They also passed without a Dutch goal.
Then, in the 101st minute, Holland performed an amazing move.
Another substitute, Ton Koopmeiners, sent a sophisticated ball over the Argentine wall that didn't understand what was happening - and instead it was Wachhorst, who equalized 2:2.
It was one of the craziest moments ever seen at the World Cup, and not just at Qatar 2022. Argentina eventually won the penalty shootout, but this goal will remain etched in the memory of everyone who saw it in real time.
Vaught and Horst.
Unusual coldness of the Netherlands, photo: AP
Morocco national team
After the group stage, the World Cup in Qatar was rightly called the "World Cup of surprises".
Saudi Arabia's victory over Argentina, Japan's victories over Germany and Spain, Cameroon's victory over Brazil and Tunisia's victory over France.
But the most surprising and exciting team was, without a doubt, Morocco, who knocked out Spain in the round of 16 on penalties and beat Portugal in the quarter-finals - essentially sending Cristiano Ronaldo home.
Morocco was a breath of fresh air, the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals.
And the hugs, kisses and dances of the players and the coach with their mothers - these are pictures that will be remembered forever.
Morocco national team.
The biggest Cinderella story in Qatar, photo: AP
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