Sports are different. If it's the theatre, or comedy then sure entertainment is the prime factor. Not something like a sport where the outcome is a variable.
The word you should have capitalised is the word 'if' - incredibly important word. Yes, IF it had happened then there would have been some potential cause for worry or concern. the "fact" is there wasn't.
Winning. It's not about turning up and losing. It's the same as people who go on TV and lose on game shows, but say "The important thing is that i've had a really good time".
It isn't.
We could send Cliff Richard, he would have a great time.