How? It's not like there'll be any actual Qataris in their team.

The conditions having an influence was exemplified by Spain vs Netherlands. The more the rain wore on, the more the Netherlands took ascendancy.

Yeah that game in Manaus last night was like 30 degrees at night with 70% humidity.

Ronaldo looked like he was almost dead.

-PB

=d> :lol:

Too funny.

and thus Qatar named champs by default as the only team standing

On one hand, in international football you have to be prepared to face extremes of temperature as you play all over the world. How many times have we had to play Oman in the fucking desert in the middle of the day and get a result.

On the other hand, having a single tournament spread over such a vast area means that outside elements play a large factor on the draw. Brazil were obviously keen on spreading the tournament all the way through the country which is admirable but FIFA should have been more proactive in ensuring the conditions played at all venues were not so vastly different. Playing in Manaus is obviously a huge disadvantage compared to say curitiba when the majority of the worlds best players are used to playing in cool European climates.

At least when we get to 2022 Qatar, it'll be equal for everyone as all teams collapse from heat exhaustion after 3 games in 10 days at 50C.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blog/2014/06/22/elements-are-taking-their-toll-brazil

It would've been advantageous for Australia to have played Holland in the heat.