The recent scenes of confrontation following the FIFA World Cup final offer a lesson in human nature.
While some people can accept defeat and celebrate skill, teamwork and determination, others struggle to control their emotions. As a result, we occasionally witness fights, aggression and poor sportsmanship after the final whistle.
Which qualities emerge most strongly often depends on our upbringing, culture, life experiences and, ultimately, our conscious choices. US sports publication, The Athletic, ran the headline: “How Argentina turned the World Cup final dirty with shoves, skullduggery and squealing” and called it the “dirtiest World Cup final since 2010.”
The article detailed the confrontation between Rodri and Otamendi, as well as the incident when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. When Garcia’s teammate and substitute Gavi jumped in to intervene, Paredes pushed him to the ground.
The Spain skipper was also hit in the stomach by Argentina defender Nahuel Molina as he ran past to join his celebrating teammates. Molina later crowded Rodri when he was involved in the exchange with Otamendi.
The Argentina players also turned their backs during Spain’s trophy presentation, an act many viewed as unsportsmanlike.
As for the match played, Spain outclassed Argentina in every aspect of the game. Whether you wanted Spain to win or Argentina to win, the match is decided on the pitch and Spain certainly deserved the cup, as they were the better team that day.
Someone should tell Argentina they are supposed to attack before the game finishes, not afterwards.
Despite the aggression of a few individuals, there were examples of sportsmanship. Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi embraced each other after the game, while Yamal was seen kneeling in prayer as the confrontation unfolded around him.
Sport is one of humanity’s greatest unifying forces. It transcends borders, cultures, religions and languages, while teaching teamwork, discipline, resilience and perseverance.
Athletes often experience enormous emotional and physiological stress during competition. Adrenaline surges, heart rates rise and testosterone levels may increase during intense contests. While these natural responses can enhance performance, they can also make it more difficult to regulate emotions immediately after the game. Even so, participation in sport from an early age provides invaluable life lessons.
Regrettably, some parents focus exclusively on academic achievement and place little value on organised sport. Unfortunately, this approach can produce highly qualified professionals who excel academically but lack important life skills, such as learning to manage disappointment, handle conflict and build healthy relationships.
Sport is about far more than winning trophies or being the strongest athlete. Young people learn to celebrate success together, build team spirit and appreciate the value of collective effort. They also learn to cope with defeat. Sharing disappointment, supporting teammates and learning to move forward together prepare them for the inevitable setbacks that life brings.
Children should be taught that emotional intelligence is every bit as important as physical ability.
It is time we gave greater recognition to our physical education teachers and sports coaches. They have both the opportunity and the responsibility to help shape the emotional intelligence and character of the next generation.
Through sport, children learn:
How to lose with dignity rather than anger.
How to congratulate opponents sincerely.
How to celebrate success with humility instead of arrogance.
How to channel disappointment into motivation rather than aggression.
That respect for officials, coaches and opponents is non-negotiable.
Coaches are not simply teaching children how to kick a ball, run faster or score goals. They are helping to shape future citizens. Every handshake after a match, every encouraging word following defeat and every reminder to respect an opponent helps build habits that can last a lifetime.
Celebrations should also reflect healthy choices. Young people need role models who demonstrate not only how to respond graciously to defeat but also that success does not require excessive alcohol, recreational drug use or reckless behaviour. The greatest champions show that self-discipline extends well beyond the playing field.
The message is simple: celebrate with joy, but celebrate responsibly.
If we want fewer fights after the final whistle and greater respect between competitors, those lessons must begin long before children ever play in a World Cup final. Sport has the power not only to produce elite athletes but also compassionate leaders, resilient young people and healthier communities.
