This week all eyes are on Qatar. For a month, the majority of the world's population will enjoy the thrill of the 2022 World Cup soccer match which will be held for the first time in the Arabian peninsula.

Even though the election of Qatar as the host was marred by controversy over allegations of bribery and all other oblique issues, Qatar as the host still tries to present the best. Stadium and other supporting facilities are ready.

There are 32 countries that will compete. The first match between host Qatar and Ecuador. It is estimated that those who watch World Cup matches around the world, either directly or indirectly, have broken the billions mark. Of course the economic value is also fantastic.

Launching from dw.com, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is the most expensive in the history of organizing the World Cup. Estimated cost exceeds 200 billion dollars or 199 billion euros. To note, the World Cup in Brazil 2014 and 2018 in Russia cost less than 15 billion euros.

Football is indeed the most popular sport in the world. The excitement of the World Cup can only be beaten by the Olympics. Because of that, the start of the World Cup tournament caused euphoria. True fans of course have prepared in advance. Ordinary fans were also affected. People who are not football enthusiasts are swept away. Even though it felt strange at first, 22 people were running over one ball and trying to put it in the goal guarded by one person.

For the crazy, that's the joy. That's the art. That ball game becomes fanaticism. Of course, there are those who still remember the murder of the Colombian footballer, Andrea Escobar in Medellin on July 2, 1994. It was suspected that Andrea Escobar was shot for an own goal during the Colombian national team against the United States in the 1994 World Cup. An event that became a dark memory from the 1994 World Cup.

The World Cup event is also a symbol of prestige. Football fans certainly remember the match between Argentina vs England at the 1986 World Cup. Argentine star Diego Armando Maradona scored two goals. The first goal was known as the “Hand of God Goal” which sparked controversy until now. While the second goal is considered one of the best goals of the century.

Apart from the controversy over the goal in the match between Argentina and England in the quarter-finals, Argentina's victory was considered Argentina's "revenge" over England, which claimed the Falkland Islands from Argentina.

With all its dynamics, football does carry a magnet. In Indonesia, it is not much different. Football is a popular sport. Folk sports. Lots of fans. There could be hundreds of millions of football lovers.

Well, while the Qatar 2022 World Cup is underway. Let's enjoy the match. Feel the sensation. Let's enjoy the emotions of joy and disappointment. Forget about the world economy, which is predicted to be gloomy. Or also next year Indonesia's economy, which according to observers is predicted not to be good and there will be a wave of layoffs.

Also, forget about the presidential and vice presidential elections. Eliminate the tension of inter-party political lobbies. Let's enjoy the World Cup.

Indonesia did not compete. Maybe later. Pray that Indonesian football will be a participant. At least hope is thickened for the 2026 World Cup where the participants will be added to 48 countries.

There's nothing wrong with hoping. You can imagine the enormity of the people's euphoria watching their country's team compete. Well, at least imagine first. While dreams are still free.

Again, let's take a short break. Enjoy and feel the sensation of the 2022 World Cup football in Qatar. (*)


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