\n
ATLANTA (AP) \u2014 Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which poured huge amounts of money into soccer and infrastructure, have experienced unscrupulous withdrawals. world cup<\/span>It proved that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport’s biggest stage.<\/p>\nSaudi Arabia was eliminated early. Also. bottom of the group containing small cape verde<\/span>the third smallest country in history to compete at this stage and advance to the final tournament for the first time. <\/p>\nSigned Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, etc. Amazing recruitment efforts<\/span> Saudi Arabia has been a major disruptor of club soccer in recent years. However, on the international stage, it will be eight years until the 2034 World Cup is held. <\/p>\nQatar, the host nation four years ago, is heading home after just three matches, as are other Gulf nations. Iran<\/span> And Iraq. Compared to the success of African teams at this World Cup (9 out of 10 teams made it to the last 32), the Gulf countries are having a very hard time establishing themselves. <\/p>\nA goalless draw against Cape Verde ended Saudi Arabia’s hopes of making it through to the group stage for the first time since 1994. <\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said: “When we played in a match like this against a team that was almost at the same level as us, our performance was not good, so it was not what we wanted. So this is something that causes concern.”<\/p>\n
Qatar made history by scoring their first World Cup goal with a dramatic equalizer in the final minute against Switzerland. But then it was another disappointingly early sending off. Lost in only 2 games at home tournament<\/span> In 2022. <\/p>\nCoach Julen Lopetegui said: “I think it showed that at least we can compete in a game like this.” <\/p>\n
The appointment of Lopetegui (former Spain international and Real Madrid manager) is evidence of the investments Qatar has made to improve its performance on the world stage. Unlike Saudi Arabia, it has not embarked on such a bold effort to attract older stars from Europe to its domestic league. <\/p>\n
Despite having a population of 3 million people and only about 300,000 citizens, it has managed to develop a sufficient number of homegrown athletes. Win consecutive Asian Cups<\/span> In recent years, it has asserted its dominance in regions that include major powers such as Japan and South Korea. <\/p>\nBut they were unable to translate that performance into a World Cup, and such an early exit is a disappointment less than four years after hosting the tournament and spending billions of dollars building eight state-of-the-art stadiums.<\/p>\n
“Compared to other countries… certainly we know who we are,” Lopetegui said. \u201cBut at the same time, I think this country, even though it is a small country, has great passion and great investment…We have to improve every day, and they have done that.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe certainly look to the future with optimism in this regard.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Saudi Arabia, which has won the right to host the 2034 World Cup, it’s all about the future. <\/p>\n
The company has been on a mission to influence sport around the world, from acquiring Premier League Newcastle to launching LIV Golf, to hosting world title boxing matches and Formula One. <\/p>\n
The World Cup will be its outstanding achievement. move away from heavy dependence on oil<\/span> and explore other revenue-generating sectors. <\/p>\nThe company wants national teams to assert themselves in home tournaments and hopes signing a superstar like Ronaldo will raise the league’s profile while also raising standards. <\/p>\n
Still, after removing one of them, Biggest upset in World Cup history<\/span> They defeated eventual champions Argentina four years ago, but there were no standout moments this time and they missed out on making it through the group stage for the sixth time in a row. <\/p>\n\u201cWith these star players in the Arabian League, I think the more competition there is, the better the players will be,\u201d Donis said. “But it’s different when you play for the national team, because in the national team you have to have a certain kind of mentality after going through these experiences.”<\/p>\n
As 2034 approaches, it is clear that the focus will be on developing our own national talent. <\/p>\n
The acquisition of star players from overseas has slowed down, and some of the biggest names, including Neymar, have left the club. Matt Crocker, sports director of U.S. Soccer, said: seduced<\/span> Saudi Arabia is leading the way in human resource development, and investment in young people is said to have doubled in the past three years.<\/p>\nIf Saudi Arabia and Qatar have caused chaos with their sudden huge spending, Iran has been playing in the World Cup since 1978.<\/p>\n
Although they had to contend with preparation and travel difficulties in the wake of the war with the United States, they narrowly missed out on advancing to the third-place team after three draws. He has played in seven World Cups, but has never advanced beyond his group. <\/p>\n
The same goes for Iraq, with two appearances 40 years apart. <\/p>\n
While the likes of Cape Verde and Congo have a chance to make history in the mega-48-team World Cup, the Gulf states are still waiting for their moment. <\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
James Robson is https:\/\/x.com\/James Saran Robson<\/span><\/p>\n___<\/p>\n
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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