Over the next four weeks, 32 nations will battle it out on football fields across Brazil during the FIFA 2014 World Cup football tournament – but only two teams will represent the Middle East.
Proud props to Algeria and Iran – (and mabruk for a winning outcome!) – but while MENA nations may not be crowding the roster, these international games are increasingly dependent on contributions from dozens of Muslim players, many of whom are challenged with integrating faith with career.