The Zionist’s Guide to the World Cup — Day 297

Finally. After a month of soccer, of athletic sturm und drang, of media frenzies, of assorted national ecstasies, and of an almost equal number of national anguishes, it has finally come to an end. For the fan, the end of the competition leaves an odd sense of loss, a sense of emptiness. Teams that have been formed to carry a country’s hopes and dreams will be broken up and re-formed and will never be quite the same again. The daily life of the common person will rapidly return to the same familiar pattern, whether their team hoisted the trophy or got bounced from the group stage.

For the Zionist soccer fan, the indignities of having to cheer on a Russia or a Portugal or even a Croatia have now passed.

One hopes that this well-staged event with its glorious display of athletic excellence will herald a new age of sportsmanship, a new age of civility and moderation, a new age of fraternity amongst the inhabitants of this global community. Most likely, not. Unfortunately.

The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar. Most likely, further indignities await the Zionist fan. Unless, of course — miracle of miracles — Israel qualifies for that World Cup. If so, then the next World Cup will surely herald glories abounding.

So long and thanks for reading.