THE FIFA World Cup, arguably the greatest sporting spectacle on earth, commenced in Russia on Thursday amid the customary fervour and excitement. Though only 32 countries compete in the quadrennial tournament, all countries get involved in the extravaganza in a manner that is both frenzied and deeply emotional. Hardly any other international sporting event has such a far-ranging social impact. For one full month, the world will be united under a single interest as high drama unfolds before millions of people, throwing up heroes, villains, controversies and, of course, the moolah that goes with it. Defending champions Germany along with Brazil start as favourites for the trophy with formidable teams like Spain, France and Argentina not far behind. However, the real shocker has been the failure of soccer giant Italy to qualify for the first time in 60 years. The four-time title winner lost to Sweden in the play-offs last year and bowed out to the dismay of millions around the world. Italy’s place has been taken by debutant Iceland.

The craze for the game has endured, if not increased, in the last 84 years since the first official World Cup was hosted in Uruguay in 1930. Pakistan, too, has been bitten by the soccer bug and the euphoria has rapidly caught on with large screens being erected in major cities for live coverage of the event. Sadly, the 198th-ranked football nation will not be participating in the mega event, although Pakistan-made footballs — Telstar 18 — will be used in the World Cup matches. Pakistani footballs — manufactured in Sialkot — are rated among the best in the world and have been used during the past many World Cups, including the last one held in Brazil. But much more remains to be done, and sincere efforts are needed to lift the standards of the sport in the country. It is not enough for Pakistani football officials to arrive at international sporting events alone — they must have a national team to accompany.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2018