7 Lessons Malta Can Learn From The World Cup That Have Nothing To Do With Football

Football fever has gripped the island, and while we’re unlikely to ever qualify for the World Cup we still watch it with an intense fervour. But rather than just support our favourite teams, why not spend the time to learn from them too?

Can the World Cup teach us more than just football? Well…

1. Being polite, even when you lose, is important

Japanese fans and players became the talk of the competition after they were seen cleaning the stadium and their dressing room after their disqualifying loss. The players themselves even left a thank-you note in Russian for their hosts!

Maltese people aren’t always the best at leaving a place cleaner than we found it, so perhaps a little Japanese humility would go a long way.

2. It’s ok to admit you were wrong and listen to feedback

Germany’s fall from grace was always going to make waves, but rather than excuse bad tactics or blame others for their defeat, the team’s statement told it like it is. They stood up and admitted they had messed up, badly, and they deserved to lose.

As a nation we don’t love hearing negative feedback. Our knee-jerk reaction on a personal and national level is to always clap back, and harder. But sometimes the best thing we can do is listen to it all, process the feedback and grow from it.

3. Organised structure outweighs showy tactics

You can have one star player, but if the team isn’t working like a well-oiled machine, you’re only gonna get so far. While we don’t have (too many) issues with authority, there is something to be said for our lack of organisational skills, particularly when it comes to planning ahead.

Taking a leaf out of France or Belgium’s playbook may not be the worst idea.

4. Money can’t always buy good results

This one is pretty self explanatory. A problem isn’t always fixed by throwing wads of cash at it.

5. Repeating the exact same formula for success may end in failure

“Imma Chiara kienet waħeda fuq il-palk u xorta ġiet it-tieni!” Girl, that was 2005 – how many more solo ballads do we need to send before we learn ‘il-passat mhux garanzija tal-futur’ is more than just a stock exchange thing?

Teams that don’t adapt to their opponent’s play-style are bound to lose. You can have the best team tactics that see you soar through the group stages, but if you keep playing offensively against a team with a stronger defence, you’re done.

6. Learning to deal with high-pressure situations by keeping calm is key

Between the heat and the traffic, pressure on this island builds up pretty fast – and our Mediterranean flair means we’re unlikely to just sit and take it.

Whether it’s honking incessantly or shouting at anyone who goes past, we could really learn something from the calm state players have to reach before a penalty shoot-out… particularly if the guy before you just missed his and now it’s all on you.

7. It really isn’t over till it’s over

Have you seen Croatia’s rise to stardom? It’s not about getting in by the skin of your teeth, it’s about pushing through till you get the results you were hoping for. Nothing is set in stone till the very last second of the game (Cc. England v Columbia), and even then – there’s always penalties girl.

Don’t. Give. Up.

Tag a friend who needs an extra dose of advice (or football) in their life

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