I honestly believed that the World Cup played in Qatar during the winter would serve African nations well until I saw old habits coming back.

Days into the World Cup, I wonder if that was all a fantasy born of hope or outright optimism. The driving force in all this is the fact that many teams are in the middle of their season in Europe so that would open doors for African sides.

Unfortunately, all five African countries promised a lot but the level of competition at the World Cup is astronomical. The African countries at the World Cup are overflowing with European-based players which means they are used to the cooler conditions in the Northern hemisphere as opposed to the weather in Qatar.

We always knew Qatar’s location in the Persian Gulf with the hot desert clime would test every team. More recently, the poor working conditions of the immigrant workers who have worked on the building sites that have brought this World Cup to life have made headlines.

The reaction from international media to all these things has started off the tournament more mildly than the usual fanfare that precedes the world cup. While Western nations are determined to prove a point by attempting soft protests, football has to start talking.

The downside is that it is taking away from the main event which is football. Everyone is at the World Cup because of the opportunities it presents because of the dreams they stand to make a reality if all goes well and if things align some may win it.

Trust and believe there has been a lot of distrust and mudslinging in the lead-up to this world cup which more often than not should give the lesser teams the impetus to fight even harder.

Thus still, the challenge is on even though the competition is strong.  Senegal on Monday fell prey against the Netherlands but I firmly believe, all African sides can cause a bit of a mess for some top countries.

 It may not measure up to what Senegal did to the then-world champions France in 2002 but it’s still important for teams to put in an effort. After seeing a largely youthful USA team outplay Wales but only lose out due to inexperience, it makes it obvious bravery goes a long way.

Everyone has to believe that long beyond playing in hot conditions, the most important thing for most athletes is to seize the moment and drown out the noise.