The FIFA world cup is done and finally over. After five weeks of action and drama this magnificent tournament was wrapped up with a classic in the infamous Maracana – Mario Gotze clinching the all important goal. The world cup is a tournament that brings players from different backgrounds, nationalities and ethnicities all together in one country. Among these are the Muslims, some of whom have excelled during the course of the prestigious event. Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria are some; to name a few Muslim countries that provided a wide pool of talents who participated in the World Cup. A lot came from nothing, but have managed to make a name for themselves on the grandest stage of them all.
The Algerian football team was one to surprise many. After losing to a well-organised Belgium side, the men in green came back strong to trash a weak South Korean team 4-2. This was capped off by a magnificent performance to draw against the Russians and beat the favourites to finish second in their group. They then came against the mighty German team (eventual tournament winners) and put out a phenomenal performance truly testing the Germans. The end result was 2-1 defeat but this performance is the one they will remember for years. The team was well led by Feghouli and Slimani who put up excellent performances against the strong defences of the Russians and Germans; and Bougherra and Halliche marshalling the defence well at the back. Overall this team performed well and overachieved passed their target.
Iran’s tournament, despite finishing fourth in a respectable group, was one to take many positives from. After a well fought draw against Nigeria, the first of the tournament, the Iranians came across a power-packed Argentina led by a formidable Lionel Messi. After a hard fought battle the Iranian managed to hold on until deep into stoppage time where a wonder strike from the man himself denied them a second point in the tournament. Not only that, but Iran was denied a clear cut penalty early in the second half which could have completely changed the course of the game. They finished the tournament with a disappointing loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a match they should have won.
Kareem Benzema (France) had a tournament of two tales after scoring the opener against Honduras and bagging a brace – which too came with some controversy (having crossed the line, the goal was disallowed by goal line technology and then allowed after a second review) verses Switzerland, he seemed to be a contender for the golden boot. However Benzema was not able to improve his goal-scoring tally and ended the tournament with a defeat in the last eight to Germany. He can proudly add three goals to his international goal tally.
Andrea Ayew was the spark in the Ghanaian football team during their visit in Brazil. Despite finishing fourth in what was known as the group of death, Ayew inspired the nations with his pace and positioning and showing his potency on the counter-attack. He scored a bullet header that set up the comeback against group winners Germany and fired home the equalizer that shocked group runners up USA. With his brother, Jordan Ayew, he performs Salat before every game. Jordan started the match against USA and came on as a second half substitute against Germany and Portugal.
Yaya Toure is a player one cannot forget to write about. He captained an aging Ivorian side and finished a mere 3rd place in what seemed an easy group. Despite this, Toure is still one of the world’s best central midfielders. He is a practising Muslim who prays before every match. For his club he is remarkable and scored 24 goals from a midfield position this season.
Mesut Ozil was Germany’s main chance creator with 15 chances created throughout the seven matches in Brazil – the most by any German player. He played a decisive role in the round of 16 matches against Algeria scoring the winner in the 119th minute during extra-time. He also was able to lift the trophy as his side was victorious over Argentina in the final. He was finally subbed off in last minute of the final for Per Mertesacer, only after victory was assured. He also recites the Qur’ān before each of his matches. Ozil did not fast during the first period of Ramadhan due to the matches of the world cup.
Sami Khedira, alongside Bastian Schwiensteiger, bossed the midfield territory during the games he played for Germany. He was a pre-tournament doubt as he tore a ligament in his right knee, but managed to start the first game in the 4-0 defeat of Portugal. He scored a thumping strike in the 7-1 demolition of Brazil and helped create a lot of game plays whilst making some critical challenges. He was unable to perform in the final as he suffered an injury in the pre-match warm-ups.
Overall the World Cup has been a success for all. Two Muslims reached the final and even managed to win, whilst others set personal milestones and have become known worldwide. I think most people will leave the tournament happy and have experienced something that they’ll never experience again.