Qualifying for world cup is a dream come true for many countries, but putting up an impressive performance say reaching quarter finals, semifinals, or even the finals is performance enough for teams to deserve red carpets upon their return home. 2022 tournament in Qatar was no exception.
Leonel Messi’s Argentina were crowned world champions for the just concluded world cup 2022 in Qatar. They Emerged world beaters after defeating the defending champions France on penalty shootouts after the game had ended in a 3:3 draw after regular and extra time. Touching base in Buenos Aires, they were received with a mammoth crowd of Argentine football fans where hundreds of thousands of fans gathered at the airport and thronged streets to welcome their heroes.
The massive crows cheering their players made it impossible for the open bus celebrations through the streets. A helicopter was used for players to safely leave the airport. The stampede unimaginable and it resulted in the death and a comma of 24-year-old fan and a five-year-old respectively
Although France lost to Argentina for this concluded tournament, les blue takes home credit for reaching the finals of the most prestigious competition on earth two consecutive times. This feat rested on the shoulders of a young talent in Kylian Mbappe.
The French President Emmanuel Macro, was by the side of France team all the way so much so that even after losing the final, he was seen on the pitch consoling the French heroes. This solidarity was reflected by supporters back in Paris who came out in large numbers to welcome back players in style.
Morocco, the first African team to make it to the semifinals in a world cup, made history for both Africa and the Arab world. The atlas lions of North Africa were received by excited fans when they touched down at the airport in Rabat. This was echoed throughout Africa who were rooting for Morocco to go as far as they could. They made Africa proud
Brazil as one the favorites to win this tournament, one would say they disappointed their country and fans all around the world. Given their talented pool of players, their elimination by Croatia was considered a performance below average although the Croats deserve credit. The atmosphere was dull as samba boys landed at Sao Paulo.
Croatia coming third was not that bad although they were finalists in 2018 against France. Fans came out chanting victorious songs where the crowds filled the Zagreb main square and they lined up along the main route from the airport to center of the capital. The crowds were singing praises for the young 20-year-old defender, Josko Gvardiol, but importantly, their cult leader and captain Luka Modric, who is 37 with outstanding performance and he could have kissed goodbye to the world cup.
Kefa Jacques
