Top Ten World Cup Moments 2018

So, another World Cup ends.

Russia gave us goals a plenty, VAR and some unexpected heroes that rose to the occasion.

With that in mind, here’s my top ten amazing moments/matches of Russia 2018. You may not agree with all of them, so feel free to add your own version in the comments.

10: Ronaldo vs Spain.
This event felt like it was going to be massive before KO and boy did it deliver! Spain’s managerial turmoil was hanging over the players heads and a buoyant Ronaldo was determined to make another campaign his after helping his club win a consecutive 3rd CL. This game had two dodgy goals (including a rare howler by De Gea) two screamers mixed with some not so good defending for the other two goals to provide a friday night whopper of entertainment.

9: No Zlatan, No problem.
I for one was impressed with Sweden’s team efficiency. Qualifying in a group with Germany, S Korea and Mexico seemed impossible when you haven’t replaced your Star Striker. However, full marks to the manager who stuck to a system HE wanted to use. Sadly for the Swedes, they ran out of steam come the Quarter Finals vs England.

8: Russia make it past Spain.
The power of the hosts is never to be underestimated. Sure, we can talk about possible “methods" that the Russian team may have used to make it to the Quarters but until there’s evidence, well played Mother Russia.

7: Belgiums comeback vs Japan.
After a tepid first half of this last 16 match, the second suddenly sprung into one of the most amazing second half displays of the entire tournament. Credit to Martinez for adding the changes to spark Belgiums comeback! Plus, how good was that winning goal? Almost a carbon copy of a “Total Football" goal you’d see Holland score if they were in this WC.

6: Messi’s World Cup ends dramatically.
Oh boy! What a dramatic rollercoaster Argentina were! Countered to death by Croatia and snatching a win over Nigeria purely by overloading the Box. There’s always hope as long as you get to the next stage but there were a lot of stars that were ready to shine for France. With Messi on the verge of bowing out of internationals forever, Frances young forward - Kylian Mbappe looked to finally thrust his International career into Stardom with 2 goals in this pulsating 4-3 classic.

5: Croatia reach the final.
Arguably, Croatia had a more difficult group in this WC compared to their previous WC in 2014. However, Zlatko Dalić squeezed the best quality out of the dynamic midfield despite sending one of his strikers home. Well done to the Croats! More than just Dark Horses this time.

4: Germany’s Dramatic Exit
The curse of the champions strikes again! Mexico’s exciting pace put them on the back foot, Sweden gave them hope before South Korea ended their hopes in sheer jaw dropping drama. “Don’t mention the VAR!"

3: England end their penalty hoodoo.
What makes penalties so difficult is that it’s an individual practise and no longer a team effort. Enter Jordan Pickfords reactive saves, alongside a new breath of confident penalty takers and the 28 year hoodoo is over vs Colombia. Full credit to Southgate for choosing Pickford over Hart.

2: Harry Kane - Golden Boot Winner
Boy! Aren’t you non English fans reading this hating this! Cmon! Bring on the hate. Well let’s look at the number of WC goals England scored in the previous two world cups -
2010 - 3
2014 - 2
Now that we’ve applied some context, many English fans will look back over this and count 2018 as a feel good WC year despite not winning the final. A trophy came home of a sort and the country became united again.

1: What a FINAL!!!
How many finals have been a “play not to lose" 90 minutes like the previous 3 World Cups. This final had EVERYTHING! An own goal, a dodgy penalty, a screamer, even some pitch invaders. A grande competition gets a fitting grand finale.

What did you think? Post your thoughts below.