Harry Maguire Matthew Carlson
Although it is a bit of a stretch to associate religion with the success rates of the World Cup, one can’t help but wonder. Three of the four teams reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup come from predominantly Catholic countries.
Although this isn’t really new, it’s no doubt that this World Cup has been full of excitement and upsets. England defeated Sweden last weekend to continue to the semi-finals with the first of their goals coming from a Catholic player. Harry Maguire scored for the Three Lions at the 30-minute mark and Dele Alli scored again on 58 minutes.
Maguire, a graduate of St Mary’s Catholic School in Chesterfield, Derbyshire in England, still often visits his old school as a role model for students, signing autographs and encouraging them to work hard.
The other remaining teams (France, Belgium and Croatia) all come from predominantly Catholic countries.
This trend goes far back in World Cup history, with most of the World Cup champions coming from Catholic countries for the last several cups, Germany and Brazil both winning several.
Whatever happens in the coming days of the World Cup, the Catholic faith is sure to be well represented.