Viral videos coming out of the 2022 World Cup show the passion of the game, for better or worse.
For example, there are some clips showing fans celebrating an upset win. They flood the streets with thousands of their closest friends as if they won the World Cup. Of course, for them, it is not far.
At the same time, some fans can react quite negatively to a bad result. Sometimes this is comical, with televisions in homes being destroyed or children feeling as if the world has collapsed. Unfortunately, this too can get out of hand. Brief disturbances can cause serious damage.
The increased use of phones and social media around the world makes all of these moments accessible. Some clips take off, as people find the emotion remarkable or just entertaining at the expense of others.
The 5 best viral videos of the World Cup 2022
Saudi Arabian supporters tear down door to celebrate
Saudi Arabia’s victory over Argentina in the two teams’ first World Cup match is one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history. Argentina, one of the favorites to win the tournament in its entirety, faced a team from Saudi Arabia that hardly anyone chose to leave the group.
However, a pair of second-half goals allowed Saudi Arabia to do the unthinkable. It’s safe to say that the win warranted this kind of celebration.
Even though Saudi Arabia finished last in that group while Argentina finished on top, this victory is one of the greatest moments in Saudi Arabian football history. It’s right up there with Senegal’s victory over France in 1998 or Cameroon defeating Argentina in 1990.
Hervé Renard bursts into Saudi Arabia during half time
Following up on Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina, some praise belongs to Saudi Arabian head coach Hervé Renard. The French coach has a history of coaching with African teams, including Morocco, the Ivory Coast and Zambia.
Still, his halftime speech during the Argentina game will go down as his most memorable moment. With Saudi Arabia trailing 1-0 after the 45th, he regretted his team’s performance. They gave Lionel Messi way too much respect, essentially letting it easily filter through their defense.
The Saudi Arabian players responded accordingly. Two goals eight minutes after the restart surprised Argentina. As stated, he did not propel Saudi Arabia to the knockout stage. However, it’s a memorable moment for a number of reasons, regardless.
Japan storms the streets after defeating Germany
The Japanese fans are passionate. They travel well to either the World Cup or the AFC Asian Cup. Where Japan differs from other nations in terms of passion, however, is in its discipline. At the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Japanese fans cleaned stadiums and locker rooms to lighten the load on those who work there. That’s Japanese culture, personified.
When Japan defeated Germany in their first World Cup match, it was another big surprise. However, while fans in Saudi Arabia (rightly so) went wild, Japan was much more reserved.
Yes, Japan stormed a Tokyo street to celebrate the same way college football fans storm the field after an upset win. However, once the light turns green and pedestrians can no longer use a crosswalk, the Japanese quickly clear the street to allow traffic through.
Japan got another chance to celebrate by defeating Spain later in the group stage. Germany was left out of the World Cup.
Fan of Mexico can not accept the exit of the World Cup
Like Germany, Mexico had a disappointing performance at the World Cup. A win, a draw and a loss weren’t good enough for Mexico as they suffered a group stage exit for the first time since 1978. Although, Mexico did not compete in the 1982 or 1990 World Cup.
So, for many Mexican fans, it was the first time they had seen Mexico come out of the group stage. Some didn’t take it so well. After Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia, they did not have the goal differential needed to advance as Poland came in second. A certain fan from Mexico took it out on his TV.
The knife can be a bit excessive. However, this fan from Mexico surely isn’t the only one hoping for a new TV for Christmas. His viral video of the 2022 World Cup racked up more than 25 million views on Twitter.
Moroccan fans celebrate the best World Cup in the country’s history
From frustration to euphoria, the viral videos emerging from Morocco show the African nation’s joy as a result of this World Cup. One is regarding Morocco’s first victory in the knockout stage at the World Cup. Despite facing a Spain team that defeated Costa Rica 7-0 earlier in the tournament, Morocco advanced on penalties.
Moroccans around the world are rejoicing in a big way. Flooding streets, waving flags, lighting flares and doing anything to soak up the glory. Plus, they’re well-earned too, with wins over Belgium and Canada to go away with just a draw against Croatia before moving on to Spain.
Morocco can be the first African team to reach the semifinals if they win in their next match. That’s against Portugal, who thrashed Switzerland in the round of 16, 6-1.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Ulmer/Team Photo
World Cup 2022 Guide
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