It has not been without controversy. A Somali referee was refused entry and the Iranian team was hurried back to its Mexican base after drawing its first match on American soil. But the focus has been overwhelmingly on the football, most of which, contrary to the direst predictions, has been thrilling. The stadiums have been full and the atmosphere at most games has been electric.
As was fervently hoped, but seriously doubted, football has come to the rescue of the most damned, expensive and extravagant World Cup in history. Unprecedented in scale and price, the 23rd edition kicked off against a backdrop of war, indifference among the hosts and a mix of outrage and trepidation among the guests. Yet, as the marathon opening phase reaches the finish line, it is safe to say the players have delivered.
It’s a tad premature to give a half-time report when 32 of the 48 teams are still involved, but by publication day, 72 of the 104 matches will have been completed. And as expectancy levels — for both triumph and disaster — have been so high, an early impression of the tournament cannot be delayed.
