The Fifa 2022 World Cup finals are finally here and for once, humanity can — and should — momentarily forget its many troubles and enjoy the beautiful game.

All eyes will be on Qatar, the host country which has come up with a host of tough rules that it expects visitors, spectators and entourages to observe during the one month of the festivities.

Clearly, this will be a final like no other given that the Qatar government has marked many a red line that it does not expect visitors to cross.

For now, with the first game having been played against the backdrop of a classic opening ceremony, it is time for football lovers to sit back and enjoy the fiesta even though it will come with heartbreak for those whose team will be eliminated.

However, it is important for all to remember that at the end of the tournament, only one team can be declared winner. The most important thing is that that team must be the best, not one that gets there through foul play or favouritism.

Indeed, football has a great deal to teach the world, not just about playing by the rules but also on building resilient teams that create synergy to achieve a goal that at first glance looks insurmountable. But even as audiences across the globe take away their own lessons from the tourney, they must also take time to enjoy the thrill, the action, the sideshows and the cultural exhibits that will surely be on display during the showcase.

This is a time to celebrate talent and to be inspired by players great and small because, at the end of every game, there will be that one player, match official or coach who will make our eyes water with admiration because of their passion for what they do. That is the essence of the Fifa World Cup finals.

It is not just a series of matches. It is a time to celebrate with the best and commiserate with those whose efforts were not sufficient to take them to the promised land.

Here at People Daily, we will be rooting for all African teams to shine and do their best. We appreciate that the task ahead of them is Herculean. But we also have hope and faith in the ability of African footballers to do the continent proud. This is their moment to showcase the pride of Africa and inspire a new generation about the vast possibilities that await them if they do their best.