World Cup 2018: The 'Alternative' Awards

Best Team Goal: Nacer Chadli (Belgium vs Japan)

Belgium's late counter-attack and goal saw them eliminate Japan

Throughout the tournament, most of the focus was on the best individual goals in the tournament. And sure we did get plenty of those from the Pavard volley to Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick in the third game of the tournament.

Yet, often excellent team goals do not get the appreciation that they deserve. This World Cup had plenty of those too including the aforementioned De Bruyne goal.

There is no question about the best team goal of the tournament, though. Like many of the best moments of the tournament, this too came from the Belgian side.

After having tied their Round of 16 encounter with Japan through an incredible comeback, the Red Devils were defending a corner in injury time. Thibaut Courtois showed his aerial dominance and caught the ball before releasing a pass to the brilliant De Bruyne.

The Manchester City midfielder burst through midfield before releasing an outside of the foot through pass for Thomas Meunier. Meunier slid the ball across for an onrushing Romelu Lukaku.

At least that’s what the Japanese defence thought. Instead of smashing the ball in, Lukaku used a little dummy to let the ball run across to Nacer Chadli to tap it in. It was the perfect team goal with five of the team’s players involved.

Lukaku and De Bruyne played the starring roles, yet none were credited for a goal or an assist. In a tournament with several brilliant counter-attacks, Belgium managed to exhibit the perfect one.