England were awful

@jackieash Whoever hosts the World Cup is an automatic entry, it's been that way for years, so it isn't at anyone's expense. It wasn't some special deal and not surprising that they go knocked out. The Qatari government, like Emirates, make themselves a hub of things like this for economic reasons.

@Abstraction No. The point is that FIFA allowed Qatar to blind them with money. The hosts have never qualified before and not had any history of being any good at the game. It is right to say Qatar bought their place at the World Cup and their performances and results prove it. It would have made more sense to host it in Saudi Arabia. That country has qualified for previous World Cups under their own efforts. FIFA is a total joke.

@jackieash Did Qatar not win the Asia Cup? I may be wrong in that as I have minimal interest in football outside of England and the mighty Carlisle United

@LizOwen I must have forgotten the six World Cups Qatar won previously....I reckon even Carlisle United would fancy their chances against Qatar....and I speak as someone used to hearing Carlisle United fans crying after yet another twatting. Try harder.

@jackieash Nothing to try - Qatar won the Asia Cup in 2019 and hosted the competition in 1988 and 2011. In their own backyard, they can be a decent team. This year they came against better teams on the day - that's football. It's a world wide game with universal appeal.

@LizOwen Try to recall Qatar's World Cup history. Take as long as you like.

@jackieash I believe it's their first time in the World Cup. They qualify as hosts- as England did in 1966, the only time we won. Spreading the game can only be positive: football is not a closed shop, thank goodness. In 74, Zaire were the first African team to enter after winning the Africa Cup. Let's hope that European and South American teams can be challenged by Asian, Australasian, North American and African nations to create a truly 'World' Cup.