World Cup 2022: 1 Year On

The tournament began with a stunning opening ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium, setting the stage for a competition that will live long in the memories of football fans worldwide. However, for hosts Qatar, a double from Ecuador's Enner Valencia spoiled the party in the opening match.

The rest of the group stages witnessed football drama of epic proportions. Saudi Arabia's victory over eventual champions Argentina was the standout shock result. Morocco relished in their glory, topping Group F, making history as the first African team to advance into the semi-finals.

However, the climax of the World Cup witnessed Lionel Messi's talent on full display. His goals against France in the final helped secure Argentina's first World Cup since 1986 and cemented his legacy as the greatest player of all time.

The tournament's exceptional impact extended beyond just the pitch. In another first, Qatar put on a practical one-city World Cup. Middle East Football Expert Ben Jacobs told Football Now that the compact and accessible nature of the venues allowed for a vibrant spirit that showcased the region's love for football.

"It was effectively a Doha World Cup. You could get to pretty much every stadium from the centre of Doha within 30 or 35 minutes," Jacobs said, commenting on the logistical aspect of the tournament. "And there was the possibility to see more than one game in a day. There were strong stadiums, well-attended games, a real buzzing atmosphere."

Hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar significantly impacted the region's football infrastructure and created a lasting sporting legacy.

According to Jassim Abdulaziz al Jassim, CEO of the AFC Asian Cup, the World Cup's success came from facing initial concerns about the Middle East