As we prepare to embark on yet another edition of the FIFA World Cup, we are revisiting the 2018 edition hosted in Russia which saw France winning the competition for the second time in history.
ALL ABOUT THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2018
OVERVIEW
The FIFA World Cup 2018 was hosted in Russia, with 32 national teams competing in the 21st World Cup. This edition produced countless moments that will endure in the collective memory of those who love the beautiful game. There were goals aplenty with the first and only goalless draw coming after 36 matches, which was the latest for a single edition in history.
The French National team were crowned champions for the second time in history since they were hosts in 1998. The final had plenty of goals with France winning the contest 4-2 against Croatia. 19-year old Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show for France, being named the Best Young Player and winning the tournament at such young age. You can watch how this tournament unravelled here.
BEST GOALS OF THE TOURNAMENT
LUKA MODRIC VS ARGENTINA
Without a doubt, each tournament entertains us with some of the best goals in football history and the FIFA World Cup 2018 did not disappoint.
We start off with the strike from Luka Modric who was awarded the Adidas Golden Ball, against Argentina in the Round of 16 clash. The game was 1-0 when Luka Modric picked up the ball at the edge of the box with very few options for him to play to, he turned left, then turned right and unleashed a curling effort that was too much for Wilfred Caballero to handle. Giving his side a comfortable lead of 2-0.
CRISTIANO RONALDO VS SPAIN
In their first fixture, Portugal was pinned against neighbouring Spain. The game started off as many others did Ronaldo scoring in the fourth minute to give his side an early lead, Spain equalised in the 24th minute through Diego Costa, Ronaldo again found the net for Portugal but 11 minutes after, Diego Costa levelled the tie with Nacho putting Spain ahead three minutes later. The scene was set when Spain committed a foul at the edge of the box and Cristiano Ronaldo lined one up to complete his hat-trick and earn his side a draw. Cristiano Ronaldo thrives under pressure and he bulleted the ball, going over the wall and leaving David De Gea stranded.
BENJAMIN PAVARD VS ARGENTINA
The highest-scoring match was between France and Argentina in the Round of 16. Argentina was leading the game after coming from behind to lead 2-1 just after half-time. A through ball from Blaise Matuidi pushed left-back Hernandez to the edge of the Argentinian by-line, crossing a dangerous cross toward the other wing-back. The ball reached Pavard who adjusted his body to hit a sublime volley from outside the box finding the top left corner and putting his side level again in the tie.
You can also enjoy the top 10 goals listed by FIFA, here.
WHO OVERACHIEVED VS WHO UNDERACHIEVED
UNDERACHIEVED
After winning the World Cup in 2014, reigning World Champions were knocked out in the Group Stages of the 2018 World Cup. The group consisted of Korea Republic, Sweden and Mexico. Germany’s only win came from a late free-kick from Toni Kroos securing three points against Sweden before being beaten 2-0 by Korea with two late goals. Making Germany the fourth European World Cup winner in a row to see their title defence fall at the first hurdle.
OVERACHIEVED
Being the host country Russia rode on the support of their home crowd to have a create run in the tournament. Russia lost to eventual Finalists Croatia through a penalty shootout after knocking Spain in the same fashion. Star players Artem Dzyuba and Denis Cheryshev received all the plaudits with iconic strikes making it possible for their side to reach the Quarter Finals.