Atique Anam

Bangladesh did it in Darwin on Sunday, in the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, far from the country’s traditional cricketing centres.

Two of the most contrasting scenes of the FIFA World Cup unfolded within the space of just 24 hours.

Sport thrives on uncertainty. Fans cherish the underdogs who topple heavyweights. But while upsets are priceless for supporters, they can be painfully expensive for those who stage them.

The rescinding of USA forward Folarin Balogun's suspension on US president Donald Trump's request shows how much corruption and greed has eaten into the sport's showpiece event.

During the 1982 World Cup, a 22-year-old Diego Maradona was beginning to reveal the extraordinary talent that would eventually make him one of football's greatest players. Standing in his way was Italy centre-back Claudio Gentile -- ironically anything but gentle.

Penalty shootouts have always been one of football's cruellest examinations. After 120 minutes, months of preparation, and often, years of sacrifice, an entire nation's dreams can rest on a kick from 12 yards. History celebrates those who convert, but it hardly forgets those who falter.

For years, football authorities have promoted technology as the answer to the game's biggest controversies. Goal-line technology, semi-automated offside systems and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) were all introduced in a bid to make the sport fairer and more accurate.

For decades, football has been increasingly defined by numbers. Possession, shots, expected goals (xG), completed passes and touches inside the opposition box have become the modern language of football analysis.