World Cup: The best and the worst of Russia 2018

The World Cup is done and dusted. Like any normal fan, it’s time to reminisce and discuss the best and worst of Russia 2018.

Well Russia 2018, you were truly the greatest World Cup of all time. This tournament brought so much drama and incredible games, its gonna take some time for me to fully go back to my normal daily routines without the World Cup on. Now with its conclusion, its time to close the book on the best and the worst from Russia.

Esteban Bailey and I discussed our favorite moments more in-depth in our finale of the ‘Road to Moscow’ podcast series. We also went deeper into the final, the future of France and interntional football, and a little snippet of our future podcasts for the EPL season.

Best Match: Belgium 3-2 Japan

The final between France and Croatia was a close second with Portugal and Spain coming in third. Belgium and Japan’s second-half had me on the edge of my seat the entire time as Japan took a big lead against Belgium. The potential upset was brewing until the Belgium comeback. Nacer Chadli’s 94th-minute winner was one of the best team goals I ever saw in an all-time World Cup classic.

Worst Match: France 0-0 Denmark

A very easy decision. France and Denmark played the only scoreless draw of the entire World Cup in a meaningless game. Right behind the only 0-0 is both Belgium and England matches.

Best Goal: Benjamin Pavard vs. Argentina

This was a close one, but Benjamin Pavard’s strike to make it 2-2 against Argentina is my goal of the tournament. Came from an unlikely source, had incredible technique, and was an important goal for France. They were down 2-1 to Argentina and needed that equalizer. Pavard provided it and help shot France to their championship path. Chadli and Mbappe’s counter-attack finishes are close behind.

https://twitter.com/MuserMBC1/status/1017157726726705153

Worst Goal: All 12 Own Goals

The 2018 World Cup set a lot of records. Least 0-0 draws, most penalties, most stoppage-time goals, and most own goals. ‘Own Goal’ won the Golden Boot in Russia, doubling the number of goals Harry Kane scored. It was only fitting that ‘Own Goal’ featured in the final for France.

Best Players: Paul Pogba/Luka Modric

I couldn’t choose between these two, they both played so amazingly throughout the tournament. N’Golo Kante is a close third behind Pogba and Modric, but a less than stellar final takes him out of consideration for best player. Luka Modric was the main man for Croatia and is the main reason they came in second. Modric proved himself the best midfielder on the planet. Paul Pogba was immense for France and proved he might be the best all-around footballer (scoring, passing, dribbling, defending, heading, etc…).

Worst Player: Robert Lewandowski

For the worst player, I am looking at the biggest names that did not perform to their standards in Russia. Robert Lewandowski was easily the worst superstar at this World Cup. He looked disinterested and wasn’t going back to get the ball for Poland. His stock went down a little after his World Cup and the rise of other strikers. Other big names that did very little were Lionel Messi, Gabriel Jesus, and Thomas Muller.

Next: EPL Preseason Schedule

Best Moment: England win on penalties

England winning on penalties might have been the most unexpected moment of this World Cup. It was seen as an impossible feat, a curse for British football. It was finally broken against Colombia in the Round of 16 and erased all the past disappointments from the Three Lions. Russia’s win over Spain, El-Hadary’s penalty save, and Rojo’s winner is just behind the shootout win.

https://twitter.com/beyond_90/status/1018510813085224962