SCIANITTI ON THE WORLD CUP
By: Stephen Lylyk, RP Show Intern
No sporting event on the planet truly compares to the World Cup; a tournament in which billions of people around the planet tune in to see the best players compete for their countries for the goal of inserting their name into Soccer history.
As TSN reporter Matthew Scianitti explained on the Rod Pedersen show Friday, the World Cup is an event of unparalleled spectacle on the global stage.
“I was in Qatar for the World Cup draw,” exclaimed Scianitti. “The draw hall was 50 yards long of media all across the globe. I was standing next to Saudi Arabian sports and French sports doing live coverage from inside the draw hall. I’ve never seen a gathering cover the media like that before.”
This year’s World Cup is unlike many in previous history given the controversies surrounding the event.
The lead-up to the tournament has featured multiple scandals such as the 2015 Fifa Corruption scandal alleging bribery which played a role in awarding Qatar the World Cup. Their also well has been numerous human rights violations that have been reported on in Qatar during the build up to the tournament
“You can’t deny all the controversies and justifiable questions that have been brought up,” Scianitti offered. “Not only the awarding of the world cup to Qatar but also everything that’s happened in the intervening years.”
Also a first time Winter World Cup will lead to a unique stoppage for club leagues across Europe.
As Scianitti explained, all eyes will be on the country of Qatar for this World Cup, not only for what happens on the soccer pitch, but off it.
“Beside the love of the game there will be another side examining Qatar, how it hosts and what it has done to build what is going to be the most concentrated World Cup ever. Qatar will be in the spotlight.”
Domestically this is also a historic event as it will future the first Canadian appearance in the world cup since 1986.
Canada goes in as a team new to the experience of a World Cup, in a group with veteran sides such as Croatia, Belgium, and Morocco.
Croatia, the 2018 Runners up feature a roster starring Midfielder Luka Modric, and English Premier League player Ivan Perisic.
Belgium, is also a frequent soccer powerhouse featuring Manchester City star Kevin De’Bruyne and hero of the Real Madrid 2022 champions league victory Thibaut Courtois.
As Scianniti related, while it will be difficult for Canada to succeed there is a path to being a challenging team for the more experienced sides in their group.
“Canada is a team that regardless of the recent labour issues, they have dealt with, are very close. If canada can play the fast and aggressive style we saw in qualifying they could cause problems.”
Starting off the tournament strong and dealing with the adversity Qatar will provide is imperative for this Canadian side.
As Former United States Manager Bob Bradley recently exclaimed describing his world cup experiences, “you can have all the best laid plans you can have everything prepared the moment you hit adversity on the world cup stage. If you’re not prepared for it everything comes apart.”
Canada opens the World Cup in Qatar on November 23 vs Belgium at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm ET on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio. Call your cable provider to subscribe.)
