‘The World Cup has been a part of my life since school days’

The World Cup has been a part of my life since school days. I can still clearly remember the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

At that time, we did not have the opportunities that today’s generation enjoy.

Only a handful of matches were shown on television, and even those were broadcast late at night or early in the morning.

But despite those limitations, the excitement was unbelievable.
Since I played football myself and later became a coach, the attraction towards the World Cup became even stronger.

In our childhood we barely had any chance to watch European club football regularly.

The English Premier League or La Liga were not available like they are now. So, the World Cup was our biggest window into international football. Every four years it felt special, almost magical.

Now, of course, my perspective has changed because football is also my profession.

I work as a coach and television analyst, so I have to watch football differently. I not only follow the World Cup itself, but also qualification matches across Asia, Europe and South America.

I collect data, analyse trends and study tactics because I need to discuss these professionally in the media. So emotionally I still enjoy it, but professionally it has become a huge learning platform for me as well.

The first thing that comes to mind is the quality of footballers. That era had unbelievable players. Argentina had Diego Maradona at his absolute peak. France had Michel Platini.

England had Gary Lineker. Spain were also an outstanding side with players like Emilio Butragueno. Brazil, even though they did not win, had one of the finest squads in the world.

I still remember the Brazil-France quarterfinal. It was an extraordinary match. Zico missing a penalty, then Brazil losing in the shootout — it was heartbreaking for us because many people in Bangladesh supported Brazil.
Modern football is much faster.

Players now have less time on the ball, quicker passing speed and much more physical pressure.

But for that era, 1986 represented modern football. Football constantly evolves. In another 10 or 20 years, the game will probably look very different again.

Traditionally successful nations will again be the strongest contenders. Teams like France, Argentina and Spain have outstanding squads filled with players dominating Europe’s top leagues.

England are also very strong contenders because of the quality they possess.

World Cups are usually won by teams that have a history and culture of winning major tournaments.

Experience matters enormously at this level.
Brazil, however, concern me slightly because they no longer have the same number of world-class individual superstars they once had.

Earlier, almost every Brazilian squad was filled with extraordinary players. That depth seems slightly reduced now.

Still, football is unpredictable. Sometimes tactics, momentum and even luck decide everything. That is why the World Cup remains so fascinating.