This seems to be a habit we never abandon: the very people we elevate to the status of heroes, we are quick to tear down in moments of frustration. We forget all their achievements as if they have no history worth remembering and no future worth considering. It reflects a troubling tendency in our society to judge one another based solely on the moment praising someone today and condemning the same person tomorrow.
اضافة اعلان
Nothing illustrates this better than the wave of criticism directed at the national team after its loss to Austria. It was as though the team was expected to conquer Rome, reclaim Granada, and return home with the trophy on its very first attempt. Yet this is the team’s first experience at this level. It is already an achievement that they qualified, participated, learned, and competed against powerful teams with long-standing football traditions and extensive international experience.
We have become increasingly unwilling to forgive mistakes. Frankly, I do not understand what would be so catastrophic if we do not win the World Cup. It should be enough that our national team shone in the Arab Cup and the Asian Cup, developed steadily, and ultimately earned a place at the World Cup. Without a doubt, this is a demanding and intimidating experience that places enormous psychological pressure on players, creating understandable tension as they strive to meet public expectations.
Every player has family and friends. Players are human beings with emotions. When they witness the insults and attacks directed at them, they are affected by them, and their performance may suffer even more. Their families, too, are hurt by such remarks. Our moral responsibility, therefore, is to support and encourage them until the very end, stand by them, and welcome them home regardless of the final outcome.
From a social perspective, the issue is far more concerning than from a sporting one. The comments and attacks directed at the team and at certain players in particular reveal a side of us that can be unforgiving and merciless. This stands in stark contrast to a society that has historically demonstrated forgiveness even in matters involving blood feuds. How, then, can we be so harsh over a football match?
In any case, significant goals have already been achieved through participation in the World Cup. First and foremost, the team’s presence, along with the support of fans and the Jordanian diaspora, projected a positive image of Jordan to the world. Arab communities across the globe rallied behind the Jordanian team, including the Palestinian community, whose support never wavered. The scenes of young Jordanians celebrating, cleaning up after themselves, distributing traditional keffiyehs, and proudly raising the Jordanian flag were among the most inspiring moments of the tournament. Equally important were the efforts made by various parties to promote Jordan on this major international sporting stage.
Our duty is to continue supporting the team until the end. This is only the first experience of its kind, and there is much to learn from it. Any successful Arab team is, in a sense, a success for Jordan as well, because ultimately we represent one another. Building upon this experience, learning from it, and improving sports performance across all sectors are essential steps forward. Sporting success is cumulative; championships are not won overnight.
We praised and supported them, yet at the first disappointing result, we turned against them. That is simply unfair. All that should be expected of them is that they give their best effort, while we continue to stand by them. Above all, we must preserve the dignity and respect of Jordan’s sons and daughters wherever they may go and whatever they strive to achieve in this world.
