Your guide to the most controversial World Cup ever!
It's been twelve years since the host nation was announced and during this time the World Cup has been overshadowed by accusations of bribery, corruption, slavery and problems surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in football. But it is still a World Cup with all the excitement that it brings.
Japan is hoping to get lucky in Qatar, as they launch their latest bid to make it through to the World Cup knockout stages. Japan has qualified for the last six consecutive World Cup tournaments prior to 2022, and the Samurai Blue's have some exciting young players supported by veterans.
So let's looks at some of the details of this exciting and controversial World Cup...
When does the World Cup kickoff?
The World Cup is set to officially start on November 21st, with the Group A opener between Qatar and Ecuador at 1 a.m in Japan!
One of the earliest controversies surrounding the upcoming tournament was the scorching temperatures of the host nation.
Typically the World Cup is held in summer, after the regular football seasons of many professional leagues has ended; however because Qatar is so hot this tournament will be the first to be held in winter.
Japan World Cup group
In the first round of the World Cup teams must do well against the other countries in their group. Group E is arguably the toughest group at this years World Cup. Japan will have their work cut out for them if they are to progress to the next round.
Japan Group E fixtures and match schedule:
Date Match Time
Wed, Nov. 23 Germany vs. Japan 22:00 p.m.
Sun, Nov. 27 Japan vs. Costa Rica 19:00 p.m.
Thurs, Dec. 2 Spain vs. Japan 04:00 a.m.
Soccer Football - International Friendly - Ecuador v Japan - Merkur Spielarena, Dusseldorf, Germany - September 27, 2022 Japan players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen/File Photo
Can Japan replace players on World Cup roster?
Once each country announces their 26 player roster they can only make changes to the team before the first game. Also, they can only make a change to the squad under extraordinary circumstances.
According to the World Cup official rules a player may only be replaced if they have suffered a serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before the first game.
This country would have to submit a medical report to FIFA. Even then, the replacement player can't just be anyone, they have to come from a preliminary list of players submitted to FIFA in October.
Because of this monitoring players injuries and performance is a big part of preparing for the World Cup.
Finally, who are the Hosts and why are they problematic?
As we mentioned, this years World Cup host is Qatar, a country between Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Oman.
You may have seen Qatar mentioned online, in newspapers or magazines recently due to the ongoing controversies.
Not only is this the first winter World Cup, this is the second Major sports event hosted by a country that has a problematic human rights record! (Check out our next article to read about more controversies!)
For example there are innumerous allegations of worker abuse and slavery while Qatar pushed to build their new stadiums at record speed. There are also fears for LGBTQ+ fans planning to travel to Qatar where homosexuality is illegal.
Many people feel that FIFA should have chosen a safer and better prepared country.
If you want to know more about the World Cup and the controversies there are many articles online!
Now for the big question...
After an eventful month of football the final will be held on December 19 at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, so which teams are your bet for the final?
《BONUS》
☆= essential words!
Some Football/Soccer Language you may hear
Woodwork - Goal Post
Hat-trick - The same player scores 3 goals
Brace - The same player score 2 goals
Nutmeg - the ball is kicked between a players legs
Clean Sheet - The goalkeeper lets 0 goals in
☆Own goal - a player scores a goal into his own teams goal
☆Dive - a player fall down without contact / fakes contact
Formation - how the team lines up using a strategy
Set piece - the ball is returned to open play following a stoppage
☆Booked - Yellow Card
☆Sent Off - Red Card
Gaffer - Head Coach / Manager
Game of two halves - When the events change in the second half of the match
Dark Horse - A team that is not expected to win or people don't know
Giant Killing - When a smaller team beats a much bigger team
Group of Death - The most difficult group at the tournament
into row z - to kick the ball from danger high into the stadium
hoof - to kick the ball far from danger with no aim
park the bus - to be very defensive minded
screamer - a shot that is hit with lots of power
sitter - a really easy opportunity to score
skipper - the captain
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