The group stage of the Qatar World Cup nears its conclusion. Matchday three of the world cup is infamous for producing some of the best soccer games. Teams give their all on the pitch in a bid to transition into the knockout stages.
This World Cup is no exception to that trend and we caught a glimpse of the same during Group E’s final games. Spain headed into the final game leading the group with 4 points and a massive goal difference, courtesy of their win 7-0 win against Costa Rica in the first game, followed by a one-each draw against Germany.
Japan was sitting 2nd in the group, on 3 points, after defeating former world champions Germany. Interestingly, Costa Rica was also on 3 points. The shocker was Germany’s unfamiliar place at the bottom of the group on a single point.
Germany desperately needed a win against Costa Rica and a Spanish victory or draw against Japan.
Come to the final whistle, underdogs Japan shocked the world by claiming another former world cup winner as their victim. Prevailing with a score of 2-1 against Spain, Japan ensured their advance to the knockouts. Germany defeated Costa Rica but failed to book their place in the knockout stages as a Japanese Victory guaranteed the advancements of Japan and Spain while ensuring the elimination of Germany and Costa Rica.
Japan topped Group E with 6 points to their name while Spain finished second with 4 points. Germany and Costa Rica were eliminated.
The real drama ensued shortly after the final whistle. Footage of a national broadcast of a Qatari TV was circulated online, which saw Qatari broadcasters mocking Germany’s exit from the final controversially as per ‘Twitterati.’
Fans react as Qatari TV Mocks Germany’s exit
The Qatari media house made a gesture of covering up their mouths with their palms while waving goodbye to the Germans.
Qatari TV celebrating the exit of #GER from the World Cup: https://t.co/RYkvFouMcL
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 2, 2022
Following the clip of the broadcast and its circulation on social media, people are divided in their opinions.
Every team should do this before every game until the end of the tournament. And the winning team should include it in their celebration. You may say I'm a dreamer…https://t.co/t63pd3TSLj
— Chinny Honk (@ChinnyHonk) December 2, 2022
One extreme group has been heavily criticizing the gesture made by the gentlemen on the broadcast. They have been quick to label the gesture as “Disrespectful”, “Disgusting”, and “Unprofessional”. This group mainly consists of people who belong to countries outside the Arab states.
On the other hand, people indigenous to the Arab world have been quick to point out, in retaliation, that “Every country has the right to formulate its own laws and ensure its obedience.”
LGBTQ+ rights are not fundamental human rights :), so no you can't.
— David Ganchev (@David_Ganchev) December 2, 2022
There has been a global consensus in recent years to recognize and respect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, it seems that an equal amount of opposition to the same exists even today.
Why did German players cover their mouths at the World Cup?
The roots of the context behind this gesture of Qatari TV can be traced back to the first match of Group E. Germany was to face Japan. Before kickoff, Manuel Neur planned to wear the “OneLove” armband in the game, which symbolized tolerance and diversity.
However, FIFA threatened several European Nations with sanctions if they wore the armband.
It wasn’t about making a political statement – human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.
Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position. pic.twitter.com/tiQKuE4XV7
— germanfootball_dfb (@DFB_Team_EN) November 23, 2022
Hansi Flick, the German coach, said: “It was a sign from the team that FIFA is trying to muzzle us.” The gesture of covering up their mouths with their palms during the team photo pre-kickoff, was therefore, done by the German players to ensure that their voices were heard.
