Was this actually a great World Cup? Here’s my honest verdict
A football writer reflects on the recent World Cup, questioning its historical significance and quality compared to past tournaments. The piece contrasts official claims of the event's greatness with the personal, often conflicted experiences of those who attended.
Why it matters
It highlights the disconnect between official corporate/political narratives surrounding major sporting events and the subjective experiences of journalists and fans.
inside football Was this actually a great World Cup? Here’s my honest verdict At the end of a World Cup of immense scale, chief football writer Miguel Delaney shares some personal reflections on the tournament and his experiences in the host cities in his latest Inside Football newsletter
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A bit like that final Spanish goal, or maybe, more fittingly, the Argentine aggression, you knew it was coming. After Gianni Infantino had made the customary claim that this was the best World Cup ever – nay, most spectacular – Donald Trump of course went even bigger.
The US president said it was “one of the greatest events, of any kind, ever held.”
Does the moon landing count? The D-Day landings?
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