It was perhaps the perfect way to conclude the opening round of games for this World Cup. Portugal had been leading and strong favourites, Cristiano Ronaldo toiling for that goal to match the other big names, only for the comparatively more humble Yoane Wissa to plunder an emphatic equaliser.
In the joyous celebrations that followed, it wasn’t just a squad coming together but a country enjoying a national moment: DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal.
There have been a few moments like it, from Livano Comenencia’s goal for Curacao against Germany to Aymen Hussein’s for Iraq against Norway and even Cabo Verde securing that 0-0 draw against Spain. They’ve formed a theme of an enjoyably competitive World Cup so far, before you eventually get to the big ones that decide finals and the trophy.
There is also a serious point here, amid so much euphoria. Can any moment in any other sphere inspire such unity for a country, such a rush of collectivism?
It’s been described as a “benign nationalism”, and you can instantly see what it means. For some of the players and staff, though, there’s much more meaning to it than even emotional release.
In the joyous celebrations that followed, it wasn’t just a squad coming together but a country enjoying a national moment: DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal.
There have been a few moments like it, from Livano Comenencia’s goal for Curacao against Germany to Aymen Hussein’s for Iraq against Norway and even Cabo Verde securing that 0-0 draw against Spain. They’ve formed a theme of an enjoyably competitive World Cup so far, before you eventually get to the big ones that decide finals and the trophy.
There is also a serious point here, amid so much euphoria. Can any moment in any other sphere inspire such unity for a country, such a rush of collectivism?
It’s been described as a “benign nationalism”, and you can instantly see what it means. For some of the players and staff, though, there’s much more meaning to it than even emotional release.
4 months ago
