The World Cup does not resolve the world’s differences. But it forces billions of people to look at them
The World Cup goes far beyond football. It exposes the world’s differences and inequalities. Just look at two ranked countries: Haiti and New Zealand. Two opposite extremes.
Haiti: chaos and daily struggle, capital dominated by gangs, extreme violence, kidnappings, constant murders, institutional collapse and humanitarian crisis. Even so, managed to qualify in Concacaf.
Group: Brazil, Morocco and Scotland. Real chance? Miracle after miracle.
New Zealand: tranquility and stability. One of the safest and most stable countries in the world. Low crime, solid institutions and high quality of life. It dominates Oceania and sometimes surprises in friendlies.
Group: Belgium, Egypt and Iran. Chance? Zebra possible, but difficult.
On the field, both are underdogs. In the FIFA ranking, both are below position 80. No heavy tradition, no big stars. But the The distance between the reality of each country is abysmal.
While Haiti experiences collapse, New Zealand lives in relative peace. In football, however, both wear the same shirt: that of the unlikely.
The World Cup does not resolve the world’s differences. But it forces billions of people to look at them — even if just for a few minutes.
Until next time.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
