FIFA have turned this World Cup into an utter nonsense as their get-rich-quick scheme backfires. The romance of the occasion lasted less than 10 minutes, until the fairytale turned into reality. There was a brief respite when a small Caribbean island managed to leave a footballing powerhouse all at sea. But stripping back the event to its bare bones, all the carcass left behind showed was the fact that Curacao were living proof of why a 48-team World Cup is utter nonsense. Grateful pawns in a get-rich-quick scheme dreamt up by those bombastic blokes in blazers at FIFA.
Taking part in the biggest tournament in football might be a thrill for the likes of Curacao. But a cheap one, where FIFA is concerned. Which feels ironic. And the look on Tahith Chong's face after his side's seven-goal drubbing from the Germans didn't smack of someone delighted just to be in Houston.
Curacao's Heavy Defeat Highlights Flaws
It was fun while it lasted. Which wasn't long. Curacao have their professional pride, if not the egos of some other nations. So being hammered in an opening game in Houston must feel like they've had a rocket rammed where the sun doesn't shine. It was just like watching Brazil. Remember when the most successful nation of all time were humbled on home soil in a World Cup semi-final back in 2014? Once again, the ruthless Germans dished out all the pain on that infamous night in Belo Horizonte.
But unlike Curacao, Brazil will never have to justify being at the top table of international football. World Cups should be about upsets and unpredictable results. Of course they should. But they should also - and always - be about competitive matches. After all, this is the pinnacle of the sport.
The Reality for Smaller Nations
Curacao scored a historical goal. Curacao have the memento of a team photograph to take back home. And Curacao had wonderful support. But the brutal truth is the actual contest was a shambolic advertisement for a World Cup containing almost 50 teams. Chong came through the academy at Manchester United. He went on to make his first-team debut, replacing the great Juan Mata in an FA Cup tie in 2019. He hasn't been schooled at one of the biggest clubs in world football to go on and make up the numbers. But that's what Chong has now discovered he will be doing in North America. And thanks to FIFA's obsession with putting pound notes (or dollars in this case) before more considered priorities, Chong won't be alone.
