M’sia’s ‘football-crazy’ spirit soars in 2022 World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR – The spirit of togetherness that Malaysians bring wherever they go is truly something worth being proud of. 

At the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, that same spirit was in the air as many Malaysians travelled to the Middle East for the biggest sporting tournament in the world. 

For Jagjit Singh, a Malaysian who has been living and working in Qatar for the past eight and a half years, the World Cup being in his backyard was an experience like none other. 

“You know Malaysia is a football-crazy country because I met so many Malaysians in Doha during the World Cup.

“I always wrap the Jalur Gemilang around me like a cape and so many of our countrymen approach me. There is always a some of them at every match,” he told The Vibes. 

For Malaysians who were in town for the World Cup, Jagjit said over 500 people were in a WhatsApp group catered just for visiting Malaysians. 

“If anyone needed assistance or help in any way, all they had to do was post that in the group and someone will definitely help them. 

“During the matches, they would also share their seating locations and post pictures. Many of them came from Malaysia or were working here. 

“My brothers came to visit me for a week from Malaysia and this just goes to show that we really are a football-crazy country,” he said. 

Jagjit also said having been to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the atmosphere found in Qatar is more unique. 

“Because it is a one-city World Cup, all the fans from 32 countries are in one place. There is a match almost every night, so there is always colour and a great mood all around. 

“I spoke to a guy from Singapore who has been to five World Cups, and even he agreed that the Qatar World Cup is the best.”

With the 2023 Asian Cup set to be hosted in Qatar, Jagjit added that it would be fantastic to see the Harimau Malaya in Doha. 

“It is the first time they have qualified on merit, and I am really looking forward to supporting them here next year.”

He said that it would be even better to see Malaysia in the World Cup, adding that the Asian teams’ recent performances at the competition have shifted the football focus. 

“Look at Japan, South Korea, and Australia. This goes to show that Europe is not the centre of football anymore. 

“Even the North African teams did well. Shame that Egypt did not qualify but if they did, I am sure they would have performed well,” he added. 

Although Jagjit will not be watching the final match between Argentina and France, the Manchester United fan said he would be rooting for Argentina and Lionel Messi. 

“Yes I am a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, but Messi deserves this World Cup. He has been playing his heart out. 

“European teams have been winning it for a while now, maybe it is time we see a South American team claim it this time,” he said. 

Jagjit was at the Lusail Stadium to witness the quarter-finals as Messi and Argentina won against Netherlands in penalties, and at the Al Thumama Stadium when Morocco knocked out Portugal 1-0. 

France takes on Argentina at the finals on Sunday, with teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi going head-to-head. – The Vibes, December 17, 2022.