WORLD CUP WONDERS // 60-61 JOE FRIAR

A deeper look into the legends & legacies behind Group B

WORDS JAI MCINTOSH

ILLUSTRATIONS EMILY MENZIES

As we tumble towards a World Cup, a World Cup that is seemingly just as questionable as the 2018 Russian World Cup, England fans are likely to be the least confident they have been for an international tournament in six years.

Qatar as a venue to host the World Cup Finals is clearly farcical, one need not detail the litany of open-ended questions and qualms that surround the event (see page 50), these have been well covered and will continue to be covered. Additionally, one need not lament the overt greenwashing, with officials claiming this World Cup will be carbon neutral, despite a 2021 Fifa report suggesting there will be 3.6m tonnes of carbon dioxide, 1.5m tonnes more than the Russian World Cup. Further, the air conditioned grass that requires 10,000 litres of desalinated water to maintain in winter and up to 50,000 litres of desalinated water in summer. As Fifa set out

a carbon neutrality climate strategy by 2040, many have had reason to question how this coming Qatar World Cup fits into that plan?

Anyway, to the beautiful game.

As his popularity gradually waines, Gareth Southgate could be forgiven for feeling a little aggrieved considering the huge improvement the Three Lions have made under his tutelage. At the time of writing, Southgate has been in charge for 76 matches, winning 46 and losing 13, as well as helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals and the European Championships final. Thus, England are the nearly men of international football, a reputation that is increasingly breeding frustration amongst a relatively patient fanbase.

The Southgate debate centres predominantly around his tactical aesthetics and squad selection, both of which are deemed a little too conservative to galvanise and maximise the talent within the team. Perhaps this is true, few could argue against the notion that England have enviable attacking depth, all capable of dazzling attacking displays; bums off seats football. However, international football tends to be a cagey affair, an occasion designed for the light-footed, and defensively sound. Both Johan Cruyff’s 1974 Dutch team and Socrates 1986 Brazil, whilst capturing the global imagination, failed to win the tournament irrespective of their attacking prowess.

Even the most ardent anti-Southgate fans will have to accept his presence on the touchline for this coming tournament, thus, speculation must shift from whether Southgate is justifying his position, to squad selections and tournament success criteria. England might not be outright favourites, with France, Brazil, and Argentina all looming large. The Three Lions will be aware that, in keeping with their upward trajectory, the next step is to clasp both hands around that which is the most desired, the World Cup trophy. As mentioned previously, the talent is clearly there. England’s roster of attacking talent, the most impressive aspect of England’s squad, is all but complemented by the exquisite midfield pool, with some of European football’s most exciting young players such as Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice all likely to adorn the red and white colours of mighty blighty. Defensively, questions arise, specifically relating to Southgates’ decision to bring every English right-back currently playing professional football. Reece James will miss the tournament, meaning space for Trent Alexander-Arnold may open up. The central defensive positions have historically been the weakest point of Southgate’s side. Despite hardly featuring for Manchester United, Harry Maguire is likely to go to the World Cup, and start, which seems nonsensical given the quality of other options. John Stones has been excellent this season; Fikayo Tomori is one of the most promising young central defenders in world football; Eric Dier may be a much-needed chaos agent, and then the rest is up for grabs. It is worth a mention that, at the time of writing, the official squad is yet to be released.

This leads us perfectly onto considering the group. England are joined alongside Wales, Iran, and the United States in a roguish Group B, a group that looks more like a collection of nations found in a Daily Mail headline generator than a World Cup group. British counterparts Wales will be quietly confident, The United States will be looking to get one over on their footballing big-brothers, and Iran are likely to be as unpredictable as a box of frogs, with many wondering whether the on-going social upheaval following the death of Mahsa Amini and the subsequent deaths that have followed in the wake of national protests will derail the Team Melli focus, understandable if so.

For all that is said about the England fanbase, both domestically and internationally, for their damaging behaviour and rampant xenophobia, it is worth mentioning that England fans are at once stoic and sentimental in equal measure. Whilst many demand trophies, many others are simply looking for a fulfilment of the cliché; they want the side to do us proud.

The UK, more specifically, the Prime Ministerial revolving door policy, has been a global embarrassment. Oftentimes in recent years, footballers have been left to shoulder social responsibilities often disregarded by elected officials looking to safeguard their seat rather than address social concerns. Once again, the Three Lions find themselves in the position as national representatives with the task of elevating the global perception of this once great nation.

That said, this team is capable of such a feat once again.

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Iran remains an enigmatic footballing nation, one detached from the collective consciousness of the Western nations that occupy the other spaces within their group. Iran has been a key subject within contemporary social discourse following the death of Mahsa

Amini, and the subsequent social protests which have seen major sporting, political, and social figures both inside and outside of Iran cutting their hair off as a sign of solidarity with the on-going plight of the women-led protests.

For Iran, being in a group alongside both the United States and England evoked overwhelming feelings of opposition given the involvement of both nations in Iranian political affairs stretching back to 1953, with many Iranians still blaming both nations in the coup that overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh.

For a nation often so polarised, Team Melli have been seen as a positive representation of Iran on the national stage, often spearheaded by one of Asia’s greatest players, Ali Karimi.

Ali Karimi, sometimes referred to as the Asian Maradona, had an 18-year club career, winning eight major club trophies, including a Bundesliga Championship and German Cup double with Bayern Munich and an Asain Games Gold Medal. However, despite his trophy-laden success, it was Karimi’s ethereal technique, a dribbling style in the mould of Zidane, that captured the global imagination. Starting at boyhood club Fath FC, a club who trained in the street with plastic footballs, Karimi earned a move to Iranian giants Perseopils in the summer of 1998, winning a domestic double in 1999, and another league championship in 2000.

Despite keen interest from various European clubs, Karimi opted to stay closer to home, joining UAE side Al-Ahli in the 2001/02 season, helping them win their first trophy, the President Cup, whilst also finishing top scorer in the league. These successes culminated in Karimi being awarded the Best Foreign Player Award almost two decades later in 2020, a clear indication of his outstanding ability, spanning generations.

It was Ali Karimi’s emergence in Europe that elevated his stardom to a global level, becoming the third Iranian to sign for German behemoths Bayern Munich in 2005, despite a few cautions from club scouts as to his fitness levels. During his time in Bavaria, Karimi won three domestic trophies, as well as netting important goals in the December Der Klassiker in 2005, as well as in the Champions League, scoring on his debut against Rapid Vienna. Whilst his few years in Germany may have been fleeting, Karimi left a lasting impression on the European game.

Upon leaving Bayern, Karimi spent the next couple of years bouncing around clubs, initially joining the Qatar Sporting Club in 2007, then moving to Al-Sailiya for a fee just over £4 million. In 2008, Karimi agreed to re-join Persepolis, hitting the ground running, scoring a hattrick in a 4-3 loss to Esteghlal in the Tehran Derby. A strained relationship with various management structures saw Karimi leave Persepolis for the second time, joining German side Schalke, winning a second German Cup despite hardly featuring for the side. Following this, Karimi returned to Persepolis for a third time, captaining the side throughout 2011 and 2012. Entering the twilight of his career, Ali Karimi moved to Tractor Sazi, helping the Iranian side on their journey to Hazfi Cup glory in 2013 before announcing his retirement ahead of the 2014 season. Arguably Iran’s greatest player, Ali Karimi weaved a footballing legacy that, to this day, remains as prominent as ever.

Internationally, Ali Karimi is potentially more significant and equally turbulent. A major figure in the Iranian national team, Karimi helped Team Melli achieve third place in the 2004 Asian Cup, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-3 win of South Korea, winning the Asian Player of the Year award in the same year. Having played well in the 2002 World Cup, Karimi had a relatively poor 2006 World Cup campaign losing two games and not playing in their last group stage fixture.

In 2008, Karimi was banned from playing for the national team following comments made towards the Footballing Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIFF), but was reinstated a month later. Clear foreshadowing of Karimi’s coming social influence. Despite retiring in 2009, Karimi played in the 2010 World Cup, wearing green wristbands, showing solidarity for the Green Movement. Karimi then retired officially from international duties in 2013.

However, following his retirement, Ali Karimi has been a catalyst for social change and a voice for perceived revolutionary ideas within Iran, constantly battling state-controlled media outlets and government figures, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Karimi has backed the protests in Abadan, taken the regime to task over the IRGC’s downing of Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752, and been fervent on crushing financial problems experienced by many Iranians after recent food price hikes.

In November 2017, Karimi accused the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) of financial corruption. Alongside a collection of others, Karimi demanded that the federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, deputy Ali Kafashian and Secretary-General Mohammad Reza Saket publicly declare their salaries. The Federation responded by denying any forms of corruption. Karimi published photos on Telegram of the gift cards sponsors had sent to Mehdi Taj, exposing him. In May 2020, it was revealed that Ali Karimi was the main donor in post-flood reconstruction efforts in Sistan and Baluchistan. In 2021, Karimi rejected an invitation from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting company (IRIB) to appear in a presidential candidates’ debate organised by the IFF, instead appearing on a talk show broadcast on the Filimo online network. Karimi asked for a 2.5 billion-toman fee for that appearance, which he made out to the charity Servants of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib to spend on medicine for deprived children in Iran.

Karimi has also donated thousands of tablets to various charities in an attempt to increase digital literacy throughout Iran, as well as consistently donating toys and money to various communities. Returning to the Iran of today, Ali Karimi, alongside fellow Iranian and Bayer Leverkusen star Sardar Azmound have been vocal leaders in support of protests against the treatment of Sepideh Rashno, Mahsa Amini and Nika Shakarami.

Few expect Iran to qualify from such a tricky group, and that is understandable. England have one of the greatest international squads currently playing the game, whilst both Wales and the United States have reemerged as major footballing nations post-2016. However, with a recent victory over Uruguay and a draw with African Champions Senegal, Iran could rock the apple cart although this seems unlikely.

Given the social unrest that vibrates throughout veins of Iran at present, football might not be top of their priority list. That said, the power of the game suggests that, if Iran can perform and entertain, there is a chance their national perception can shift. With the need for global support greater than ever, Iran’s World Cup could prove to be more pivotal than we would perhaps expect.

Wales have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since their famous 1958 appearance. For Wales, the journey back has been a turbulent one, one of false promises and missed opportunities. That said, following their outstanding performance at Euro 2016, Wales have cemented their place as a highly competitive footballing nation once again.

Few would argue against the fact that Gareth Bale has been the outstanding player for the Welsh national team over the last decade. Not only becoming the youngest ever scorer for The Dragons, he has become his country’s all time record goalscorer, netting 40 goals in 108 appearances whilst captaining the side to a European Championship semi-final.

Yet, thinking back to the team of 1958, and who their star player was, only one name surfaces, John Charles. An ethereal footballing figure, Charles, born December 27th 1931, is widely regarded as the greatest Welsh player of all time despite the Gareth Bale insurgency. A name not as celebrated as it should be, Charles revolutionised the British and Italian game throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with his most notable spells at Leeds United, Juventus, and Hereford Town. Eclectic.

His debut for Leeds set precedent for one of the greatest footballing careers of all time. Aged 17, Charles started in central defence against Queen of the South. Ten days prior to his debut, Queen of the South striker Billy Houliston demolished the England defence as Scotland beat the Three Lions 3-1. Charles prevented the attacker from scoring, with the game ending 0-0 with Houliston claiming the young Charles to be “the best centre back I have ever faced.”

Returning to the club in 1952 following national service, Charles would go on to score 157 goals in 297 games. Strange for a centre back, but not for Charles who performed to a world class level as a central defender and attacker, further proof of his quality. Alongside his personal quality, it was under his captaincy that Leeds United were promoted to the English First Division where he scored a record 38 goals in 40 games as Leeds finished in eighth place - this was their first season in the division.

This earned the totemic Welshman a record-breaking £65,000 move to Italian giants Juventus in 1957. A route, even to this day, rarely taken by British players. This transfer allowed Charles to become one third of The Holy Trident, an on-field relationship between Charles, Enrique Savori, and Giampiero Boniperti. This allowed Charles and Juventus to win three Scudettos and two Coppa Italias in five seasons. During his Juventus career, Charles would place third in the Ballon d’Or, score 108 goals in 155 matches, earn the nickname Il Gigante Buono (The Gentle Giant), and, in 1997, Charles was voted the greatest foreign player to have played for Juventus.

However, as an Englishman, it feels strange to be talking about a true Welsh legend without speaking to someone who really understands the true significance of John Charles. Fortunately, friend of EJ, Welsh BAFTA winning film producer and TalkSport host Jonny Owen stepped up to give us his thoughts on the Welsh legend, the importance of the Welsh national team, and his hopes for the World Cup.

“We are all looking forward to it immensely, qualifying for the first time in 64 for years is something special,” explains Jonny with an air of hopeful confidence. “These players are our golden generation, led by the great Gareth Bale who is arguably our greatest player alongside John Charles. We have a few key players in key positions, and the group has been relatively kind, we have to beat the United States and Iran. England I think are one of the tournament favourites, so we will see what happens there.”

As we moved onto the topic of John Charles, Jonny tilted his head slightly towards the ceiling, remembering the stories he was told as a young lad. “If you asked my late father who the best Welsh player of all time is, he would say John Charles without thinking. He is our Bobby Moore. Until Garteh Bale, there was never an argument as to who the best Welsh player was. Like Bale, he took Wales to a World Cup and won multiple trophies domestically and abroad. The best way for me to describe John Charles is to leave it to Pele, who said the most important thing in Brazil’s World Cup victory was John Charles being injured.”

“His injury is one of the great what-ifs of Welsh football. We are a sentimental bunch, and we do believe if Charles had played, we could have won. He could play in any team of any generation, he was simply outstanding. In Italy, if they took the lead, they would move Charles from a striker to a central defender, just because he was so good at both ends. There was nothing he couldn’t do.”

When speaking about the current Wales side, Jonny stressed the importance of the group being more than just a football team, “You cannot overemphasise how important this team is. I don't say this lightly, but they are up there with the great 1970s rugby team. They play on the world stage and represent us excellently. We are a nation of three million people, the same as the midlands!” laughs Jonny.

"Look at what we have achieved with all of these limitations. Again, Gareth Bale, much like Gareth Edwards, is just known by his first name and he has given everything to making us as good as we can be. The football team represents the new, confident, modern, bi-lingual Wales. Welsh football culture is now more important than ever. Hopefully, the boys can do us proud and have a strong tournament.”

If the Red Dragons can harness the spirit of John Charles, and that legendary team of 1958, then there is little that can stop them. Now, we wait.

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The land of the free, a place where you can achieve your dreams, well, potentially. The United States is often considered the leading nation, yet, in the world of football, or soccer as our transatlantic friends like to call it, the United States has historically fallen short.

That said, the Land of the Free has produced a smattering of solid football players who have adorned the kits of major clubs both within the Premier League, and across Europe. Few fans of the prime Barclays era of the Premier League could forget the steadfast appearances of both Brad Friedel and Tim Howard, the slightly confusing whirlwind that is Brian McBride, and the original Captain America turned Lincoln City FC advisor Landon Donovan.

Yet, modern readers will at this point be thinking about the pool of youthful American players currently playing in the Premier League. Chelsea's Christian Pulisic is the pick of the bunch having won a collection of major trophies including the Champions League and Club World Cup, whilst Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams have been pressured into diamonds this season; both key figures in aiding The Peacock’s campaign to remain another season in the league.

So too will readers be thinking about the evolution of American ownership in the Premier League, now a majority. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester United, and West Ham all have major American backing or majority American ownership. Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly has all but inflated the national perception of American ownership, with many Premier League fans sceptical of American ownership and the gradual leaning towards franchise models and greater marketing practices.

Aside from this, there was once an American in the Premier League who had a major impact, both for their quality, and for their personality. Of course, it could only be one man, Fulham's £4 million man, and the Premier League’s highest scoring American, Clint Dempsey.

The Texan attacker is most famously remembered for his sparkling appearances in the Premier League, predominantly for Fulham and then for a brief spell at Tottenham Hotspur, with Dempsey claiming 100 goals and assists in 275 games for both English clubs in all competitions. Added to this, Clint Dempsey becomes the first American player in Premier League history to score a league hat-trick, coming in a 5-2 Fulham victory over Newcastle.

The peak of his career, despite his 20 goal season in 2011/12, Dempsey was a part of that famous Roy Hodgson Fulham side that, amazingly, tip-toed their way into the Europa League Final in 2010. This game Fulham failed to win, losing 2-0 to the superior Atletico Madrid. That being said, what this represented for English clubs, and the central role Clint played, culminated in a memory that fans of the Premier League more generally remember fondly.

There may still be some judgement attached to American players, especially in the UK, but it was clear from the start that Clint Dempsey would be a catalytic figure for the USMNT. Dempsey was awarded the 2004 MLS Rookie of the Year, an award that got him few plaudits across the pond, but for the national team, this was a key part of his player development.

Known fondly by his national teammates as Deuce, the former Fulham man became the first American to score at three different World Cups, in 2006, 2010, and 2014. The year following the 2010 South Africa World Cup, Deuce stepped up for the USMNT once again, this time being the only goalscorer for his side against Panama in the Gold Cup, a tournament his side failed to win that time, but he did win it on three separate occasions, 2005, 2007, and 2017 as well as being the Top Scorer in the competition in 2015. Additionally, in 2007, 2011, and 2012, Clint Dempsey was awarded with the USMNT Footballer of the Year Award, indicative of the Clint cocktail of quality and longevity. him from the rest, despite his Premier League performances being far better than many expected. Now, the USMNT are in a far better condition that they have been at any point before, no longer relying on a single star player despite Pulisic’s influence, and working cohesively, leading many to ponder the chances of the United States winning a mens World Cup before England get another.

Speaking to American broadcaster and football expert Elizabeth Helenek, it is clear that the young talent that occupies the majority of the USMNT is their main hope: “The USMNT is full of young talent who are playing for top teams in Europe’s top five leagues like Champions League winner Christian Pulisic, Leeds’ Brenden Aaranson, Juventus’ Weston McKennie and Dortmund’s Gio Reyna,” explains Elizabeth. “However despite the potential this team has, they have been struggling against other World Cup qualified sides, having lost 2-0 to Japan and tied 0-0 to Saudi Arabia in the latest friendlies. Additionally the US have faced 7/32 World Cup qualified sides, but only beaten one of them, a 3-0 win over Morocco, a cause for concern.”

After the friendlies, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said, "There's not many players that performed up to their normal levels in this camp, and that's just how it is.” For Elizabeth, things need to improve, “it will be vital for him [Berhalter] to figure out how to get this team to click and perform with the talent it has, in order to get out of a tough group of Wales, Iran, and England. We are confident, but plenty of work needs to be done for us to qualify from the groups.”

There is now a slight sense of pressure on the United States to perform, perhaps not helped much by their totemic women’s team, who at most points seem unbeatable. That said, from Clint Dempsey to now, the Premier League is incredibly the home of choice for various American players. Whether these young players are ready to compete at the highest level on the international stage is to be seen. They just might be a dark horse…