The outcome of the World Cup group stages has shown the teams that advanced without complication are those best prepared mentally and not distracted by political issues, according to former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Speaking during a technical analysis of the group stages by world governing body FIFA - and referring to shock exits by Germany, Belgium and Denmark - Wenger says it's notable the teams that focused on football and started well - like Brazil, France and England - had easier passage to the last 16.
"The teams who were not disappointing in their first game performance - because when you got to the World Cup you know you have not to lose the first game - are the teams with experience, they have results... they played well in first game," Wenger said.
"The teams as well who were mentally ready and had the mindset to focus on the competition and not on political demonstrations."
The Qatar World Cup has seen an unusual amount of political discussion from teams, with some voicing concerns about the host's treatment of migrant labour, its approach to LGBT rights and FIFA's threats to penalise players for political statements.
Germany's soccer federation was the most vocal in pressing for anti-discrimination "OneLove" armbands to be worn by players and said "extreme blackmail" led to Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, Wales, England and Switzerland abandoning plans to wear them.
Before their surprise opening defeat by Japan, the German team posed for a pre-match photo with their hands on their mouths, alluding to them being silenced by FIFA.
Denmark also made a stand over the armbands and last month wanted to use training kit with slogans in support for human rights.
Speculation had swirled over a threat by Denmark to withdraw from FIFA over the armbands, which their federation dismissed as a media misunderstanding.
Reuters
