"Gap between traditional powerhouses, rest of the world has never been smaller": Liverpool legend Fowler on rising competitiveness in FIFA World Cup
Mumbai, July 9
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler said that during the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, every match "feels like a final", adding that the gap between traditional powerhouses and the rest of the world is shrinking, with more smaller, lesser-known nations making a name for themselves at football's grandest spectacle.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 entering its quarter final phase end and every match carrying knockout stakes, Robbie Fowler has been roped in by Zee 5 as a member of their star-studded expert panel for the ongoing tournament. One of football's most celebrated goalscorers, Fowler will provide viewers with tactical insights, player analysis and unique perspectives drawn from an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades at the highest level of the game.
Widely regarded as one of the finest finishers of his generation, Fowler scored 183 goals in 369 appearances across two spells with Liverpool, making him the seventh-highest goalscorer in the club's history. He also represented England on 26 occasions, scoring seven goals and featuring in major international tournaments, including UEFA Euro 1996, UEFA Euro 2000 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, as per a press release.
Robbie said, "The FIFA World Cup is football at its absolute best. Once you get to the knockout rounds, every match feels like a final, and the pressure goes up another level. This is where heroes are made and where the smallest moments can define history. We have already seen some incredible stories in this tournament, and I think there are still plenty of twists to come."
On the unpredictability of modern tournament football, he added, "The gap between the traditional powerhouses and the rest of the world has never been smaller. We have already seen Norway knock out Brazil, which shows that no team can afford to take anything for granted. That's what makes this World Cup so exciting - every team believes they have a chance and every match brings something different."
This tournament has indeed seen instances which prove Fowler's words right. Be it debutants Cabo Verde's incredible goalless draw against Euro champion Spain in the group stage, Paraguay and Morocco eliminating four-time champions Germany and Netherlands in the round of 32 or Norway, playing their first WC since 1998, keeping their unbeaten streak against five-time champions Brazil with a 2-1 win, powered by Erling Haaland's brace. Egypt also had defending champions Argentina 2-0 down in the 67th minute, but then defending champions went on to pull off an unbelievable heist, with three goals in just 13 minutes.
Following his playing career, Fowler transitioned into management and coaching, taking charge of clubs including Muangthong United, Brisbane Roar, East Bengal FC and Al-Qadsiah. His coaching journey across Thailand, Australia, India and the Middle East has given him a broad understanding of the modern game, complementing his experience as one of football's elite forwards. His time with East Bengal FC also gave him first-hand experience of Indian football and its passionate fan base, strengthening his connection with audiences across the country.
Fowler also expressed his excitement about reconnecting with Indian football fans through Zee 5, "I am delighted to join Zee 5's expert panel and look forward to sharing my thoughts and bringing fans closer to the biggest moments of the World Cup. Naturally, as an Englishman, I'll be cheering for England, but this World Cup has shown that every team left in the tournament is capable of producing something special."
Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer, Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd said, "The FIFA World Cup is one of the few sporting events that brings fans across the world together. At Zee 5, we aim to make that experience even more engaging for audiences in India. As the tournament reaches its most exciting stage, we are delighted to welcome Robbie Fowler to our expert panel. His achievements as one of England's greatest forwards, combined with his experience as a coach across different footballing markets, will bring valuable perspectives and enrich the viewing experience. Alongside our stellar line-up of Indian and international football experts, Robbie's insights will help fans connect more deeply with the biggest moments of the FIFA World Cup 2026."
On Zee 5, Fowler joins an esteemed panel of football experts, including Oliver Kahn, Sunil Chhetri, Bhaichung Bhutia, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and other renowned voices, forming one of India's most comprehensive line-ups of football experts for FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage. Together, they combine global expertise with Indian football insights to elevate the viewing experience for fans across the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who watches football casually, this World Cup has been a treat. Paraguay eliminating Germany? Egypt almost knocking out Argentina? The gap is definitely shrinking. Fowler knows his stuff - he played in the golden era of English football. But I wish the article mentioned more about India's football growth too, especially with ISL producing players like Chhetri and Sandhu.
Fowler really understands the modern game. His time coaching East Bengal gave him a unique perspective on Indian football. I hope Zee 5's panel includes more discussions about how Indian footballers can learn from these upsets. Norway's Haaland is a beast, but their whole team played with such discipline. We need that mentality in our national team.
As an American who moved to Bangalore for work, I love seeing this global perspective on the World Cup. Fowler is right - the traditional giants can't rest on their laurels anymore. Brazil's loss to Norway proves that. But I'm curious how Indian fans view these changes. Do you think India could become a football powerhouse in the next decade?
Fowler's analysis is good, but let's be honest - the gap is shrinking mainly because the traditional powerhouses have stagnated tactically. Smaller nations now have better coaching and scouting networks. However, I am slightly disappointed that Zee 5's panel doesn't have more Indian female football experts. We have players like Bala Devi who could offer great insights. Still, having Fowler and Chhetri together is a treat for Indian fans.
I grew up in Mumbai but studied in the UK,
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.