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World Cup 2018 was the Greatest Ever. Unlike previous editions, no team cruised through any of their games, most games were tightly fought, there was hardly a boring game, just the one 0-0 draw and six goals in the final! Super-heroes turned up in their mortal avatars and hard-working talent shone bright, pre-tournament favourites fell by the way-side and an eclectic young group emerged as champions, Russia played an outstanding host and England even made it to the semi-final leave alone win a penalty shoot-out.
This World Cup stood out for the way a lot of teams gained during this World Cup. Most teams had their moments and you would remember each of them for their contributions to making this the greatest World Cup ever.
Here are my thoughts about each of the teams from those thirty-two days, twelve of which I had the pleasure of spending in the host nation at the business end of the tournament.
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Exited at the Group Stages
Morocco – with 1 point
Morocco played the best football for a team to exit in the group stages. Pitted against their famed Iberian neighbours in the same group, losing on an OG to Iran after having dominated the entire game and conceding a late equaliser to Spain, the rub of the green certainly didn’t go their way. But their speed and persistent attacking intent provided several anxious moments to all their opponents. A solitary point clearly not reflecting the quality they brought to the World Cup.
Iran and Senegal – with 4 points
Iran chose “defence” as their route to staying relevant and did it with aplomb. A fortuitous victory against Morocco was followed by adept stone-walling against Spain and Portugal. Their campaign was alive till the final whistle was blown in their last encounter and they proved they were far from mere pushovers in Russia.
Senegal’s second ever trip to the World Cup finals wasn’t as eventful as their first in 2002, but they came back with a bit of history too. With four points in the first two games, a defeat to Columbia in the final game meant they were the first team to exit a World Cup on the fairplay rule, being tied with Japan on points.
Exited at the Group Stages
Nigeria, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Peru – with 3 points
Nigeria came short against the two favoured opponents in their group – Argentina and Croatia but showed ample quality in their win against Iceland. Their campaign ended once more against their bogey team Argentina and denied the world the opportunity to relish the most popular kit of this World Cup for longer.
Peru had better of the possession in all their games but were out after the first two rounds itself with solitary goal defeats to both Denmark and France. A 2-0 win over Australia in the final game was a just reward for the scores of passionate fans who had turned up to witness their team at a World Cup after 36 years.
Poland’s campaign was disappointing, to say the least. For a team ranked in the top ten and boasting a world-class striker in Robert Lewandowski, the team’s bottom finish in their group was a far cry from expectations.
Saudi Arabia had a nightmarish start to their campaign with a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Russia in the opening game of this World Cup. But they returned much-improved performances against Uruguay and ended up with their first win at a World Cup since USA’94 versus Egypt in their final game.
Serbia looked strong to make it to the knock-outs until the Swiss-Kosovan pair of Xhaka and Shaqiri hurt them in the back half of their second game. Brazil proved too tall to surmount in the final round and they departed with a solitary win.
South Korea provided the most dramatic ninety minutes of the group stages. Having exited after two defeats to Sweden and Mexico, they were playing for pride against Germany, who were playing for much more than that. They soaked up the pressure of every German attack for the entire game and scored twice in injury time to leave the 2014 champions embarrassed.
Tunisia scored in both their encounters against England and Belgium only to concede much more and be eliminated after the first two games. They ended with a consolation win against Panama, a game which would still be remembered for Panama’s first ever goal at the World Cup.
Exited at the Group Stages:
Iceland, Australia, Costa Rica – with 1 point
Australia’s sporting world is having a bad time with TV cameras off late. If the Cricket team’s crafty methods were caught by South African producers earlier in the year, the VAR officials in Moscow handed over the first TV decision penalty against the Socceroos. The persistent calls for Tim Cahill to come and make an impact at 38 means this is one World Cup Australia are really far from winning ever.
The world fell in love with Iceland during their unprecedented run to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016. Russia 2018 showed a potential for the romance to blossom again, especially after they held Argentina to a draw in their first game. But an underwhelming performance against Nigeria and then a defeat to Croatia meant that the Viking clap was their only contribution to go really long in this edition.
Costa Rica had a largely uneventful World Cup. Their defiance of Brazil for nearly 90 minutes a feather in their cap and a draw against Switzerland in their final game gave them the solitary point for their efforts at Russia’18.
Panama, Egypt – 0 points
Panama and Egypt both drew a blank at the World Cup. Panama were expected minnows having entered for the first time but showed ample spirit on the field and in the stands – their trip to Russia, being a great celebration in itself. Egypt on the other hand had a talisman upfront in Mo Salah, the Liverpool forward, but his injury three weeks prior to the World Cup rendered him less effective and ended Egypt’s campaign in three defeats.
Germany – 3 points
Germany failed to break the Champion’s hoodoo that has been haunting European World Cup winners since 2002, however, theirs was possibly the most shocking exit ever. The German engine always motors along, irrespective of opposition, venue or conditions – not this time. A shock defeat to Mexico in their first game, in which they were outplayed at most times, followed with a last-gasp win against Sweden through some individual magic by Toni Kroos. They reserved their worst for the last game against South Korea though. They attacked ceaselessly but lacked tooth and their forays into the box lacked adventure and precision both. As the clock ticked by they appeared to lack mental steel as well and gave away two goals in injury time to exit face-palmed.
Exited in the Round of 16
Argentina
As runners-up of the previous edition, Argentina could have gone only one better – it went several notches worse. If the draw against Iceland was a disappointment, Croatia provided a school-boy hiding and France sunk them deep after a rare glimmer of hope. I was only happy they scored a third against the French to make their exit more respectable than it really was.
In a World Cup expected to be Messi’s symphony, Maradona’s histrionics off the field made more noise – that summed up Argentina’s campaign.
Portugal
“The greatest ever” debate was short lived as Messi’s exit was followed by Ronaldo’s departure later in the day. Portugal were defensive and at times boring right through their four games, barring magical long-range strikes from Ronaldo against Spain and Quaresma against Iran. Ronaldo’s brilliance carried them over for a draw against Spain in their opening encounter. That performance was a hard one to replicate every game and the collective effort lacked the adequate spine to get them beyond Uruguay in the Round of 16.
Exited in the Round of 16
Spain
Spain’s campaign got off to a controversial start with the sacking of their coach a couple of days prior to their first game. They seemed to have put all that behind them when they scored thrice against Portugal after being behind twice in their blockbuster opener. A draw ensued though and Spain’s campaign spluttered along.
Spain played like Royalty, often lost in the beauty of their own game. They completed enough passes to win the next couple of World Cups, but seemed intent on winning the fair play award, rarely showing intent inside the box at either ends of the pitch to trouble their opponents enough.
The hosts jolted them with a shock exit via penalties in the Round of 16, but with one scratchy win from their four games, Spain hardly looked the team which could have gone all the way, a pity really as one of the game’s modern greats Andres Iniesta said adios early despite his individual marks of brilliance right through.
Denmark
In a World Cup dominated with goals, Denmark stood out as a very solid back line lead by a second-generation Schmeichel - a breed of rare goalkeeping brilliance. They held France to a goalless draw, the only one in the entire tournament and thwarted Croatia’s surge for 120 minutes including an injury-time penalty save. In the penalty shoot-out that followed, it was a save one too many for Kasper Schmeichel to effect and Denmark exited with the smallest of margins.
Mexico
Mexico’s campaign blew hot and cold – hot first and cold later. They began with a sensational win over Champions Germany, they played better, it was no fluke and followed it up with a win over South Korea. But they blew cold against an inspired Sweden in their final group encounter and at one point faced the ignominy of missing out on a knock-out berth had Germany defeated South Korea. But that 3-0 defeat meant they faced up to two old nemeses next – Brazil and the “Round of 16”. History repeated and Brazil brought up their best performance as Mexico made it a seventh successive defeat at the hands of the “Round of 16”.
Exited in the Round of 16
Japan
While defence has been the favoured suit for Asian nations to harbour any ambitions of moving forward in global competitions Japan displayed a refreshing attacking mode making them the best Asian bet. In a group of equals, they made it through to the knockouts because of fair-play, a just reward for their fans who would pick up trash from the stadiums at the end of a game.
Their game against Belgium gave us arguably the game of the tournament – open game play, fair tackles, no playacting and some great goals. Japan exited with heads held high. Not since Ahn Jung Hwan in 2002 has an Asian player created as much interest as Takashi Inui did with his probing runs and super strikes – a future star.
Switzerland
Switzerland was spirited right through. They showed their mettle in a 1-1 draw against Brazil and followed it with two goals each in the win against Serbia and the draw against Sweden. The Swiss-Kosovan pair of Xerdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka made enough noise on the field to unsettle oppositions not to mention the political storm they raised in their win over Serbia. They took their attacking mode to the Round of 16, but the high possession did not convert to goals as Sweden prevailed and Switzerland exited.
Columbia
Their sterling performance from the 2014 edition meant much was expected out of Columbia in Russia’ 2018. However, in the very limited presence of the talismanic James Rodriguez, top scorer in Brazil, who was struggling with injury, Columbia managed a fair return – a round of 16 loss to England in penalties. Despite a defeat to Japan in their first game, they bounced back to finish group toppers.
Another Columbian star came to light in the form of Yerry Mina who ended with the most goals for a defender (3) in this edition.
Exited in the QF
Uruguay
Uruguay ran a very efficient World Cup campaign. They were solid in defence and won all their group games with clean sheets, the only team to do so. Against Portugal in the Round of 16, their high-profile striking pair of Suarez and Cavani combined as Cavani scored two memorable goals in a resounding win. Cavani’s injury in that game put paid to their progress in the next round though as they met eventual champions France. Once France had scored Uruguay hardly stood a chance and the image of a tearful Jose Gimenez even before the final whistle was blown was reminiscent of a campaign which was fought hard, passionately but had eventually met its rightful end – at the hands of Champions.
Brazil
There is hardly a World Cup where Brazil do not enter as favourites. The bookies gave them the best chance this time too. Their campaign though was a challenging one interspersed with flashes of brilliance. Philippe Coutinho represented Brazil’s beautiful game the best. They were smooth against Mexico and their persistence against Belgium urged you to love them more.
However, Neymar’s on-field theatre made more entries in the bloopers section playing its part in a campaign that was halted at the Quarter Finals. Scores of confident fans who had bought tickets for the Semi and Finals were left chanting “Braaazil - Braaazil” aimlessly while watching the Europeans fight out for the positions.
Sweden
Sweden entered battle-ready. They had come through from a hard-fought qualifying campaign without their best player who did not commit to them and then managed to stave of his attempts for a back-door entry – little surprise they went far in the tournament then.
They only scored twice in their first two games which ended in a win and a defeat but defended with immense organisation. It appeared they lacked the fire-power to score more than one but against all-odds scored thrice in their last encounter against Mexico to finish top of the group. They were efficient enough to get a win against Switzerland, but the lack of genuine firepower upfront meant that their campaign ended in the quarterfinals at the hands of England.
Exited in the SF
Belgium
Belgium’s World Cup campaign was as bright as the jerseys they wore. Their campaign ran the smoothest in the group stages. A Japanese scare was averted and they ended Brazil’s campaign with great resolve and a dash of brilliance from De Bruyne. Hazard lived up to his top billing and even Fellaini headed a goal. Everything seemed in order till the semis where Tintin’s brilliance was blunted by Asterix’s brains and brawn.
It’s a pity they had to play the most meaningless game of the World Cup, that for the 3rd place playoff, but they played even that with intent and free flow, which endeared Belgium’s golden generation to scores of fans world over.
England
England have always been a popular choice at the World Cup. Even if English fans decide to desert the side, the scores of fans in Asia due to the wide-spread popularity of the Premiership here would ensure they would be one of the most popular sides at the World Cup. England’s young side in Russia’18 lacked the star-power which previous abysmal campaigns had and that made them potent. Harry Kane’s finish as the Golden Boot winner and excellent goals from dead ball situations, especially Kieron Trippier’s free kick in the semi-final are strong memories to savour.
#itscominghome did not quite make it as the Cup stopped short across the English Channel, but England’s semi-final finish was undoubtedly an unexpectedly pleasant surprise.
The Runners-Up
Croatia
Football World Cups never have fairy tales. There will be the odd story of an under-dog progressing, but their campaigns typically end up in the quarter finals or the semi-finals at the most. The powerhouses always reach the finals and one of them wins. Croatia defied those odds this World Cup and ended up as the most unfancied team to get thus far in the tournament ever.
They were smooth in the group stages with a perfect record, the win against Argentina a stern warning of what they were capable of. Their knockout wins though endeared them to fans across the world. They played 120 minutes in each of their knockout stages till the finals, coming from behind on each of the occasions. Their skipper was the hero, but not of Hollywood proportions and he urged them forward in every situation through sublime play in the midfield. The ball almost appeared to be in a zen state when at Luka Modric’s feet. The support act followed through Rakitic, Perisic and Mandzukic and a bunch of lesser-known but highly inspired players. It was not until the last ten minutes of the final game against France that their spirits wilted and their bodies gave in – Domagoj Vida the centre back was still seen infuriatedly urging the team forward – a picture of the passion and the effort that Croatia got to this World Cup. Croatia’s golden generation had definitely delivered the story of the World Cup.
The Champions
France
France played the almost perfect campaign to bring home their second World Cup win. They started off a little sluggishly but came into their own in the knock-outs. Their young side showed the ability to adjust to any game situation and even then their victories looked formulaic – defend well, score at the first opportunity, defend well again and score whenever there is an opportunity again. They decimated Argentina with quick strikes within minutes of going behind, scored chanceless wins against Uruguay and Belgium and scored at every opportunity in the finals despite being on the receiving end right through the game. Kilian Mbappe split through defences with astonishing speed often taking more than a couple defenders along with him, creating space for others to score, which they all gleefully did.
Deschamps described his team’s game as boring at times, but 14 goals in the campaign suggests the reverse, France’s diverse gameplay a true reflection of the cultural diversity that abounds the country and its football team. With a young side expected to be in its prime come Qatar’22, France looks like serious contenders for major championships in the years to come, the Champion’s curse will get buried at the very least.
Russia, the Hosts
Russia as hosts played a huge part in making this World Cup the best ever – both on and off the field. They started the campaign with five goals against Saudi Arabia, qualified for the knockouts despite being the lowest ranked team and took out a huge scalp in Spain in the round of 16. They played an exciting quarterfinal against Croatia and were only edged out in the penalties by the more deserved team. Russian fans couldn’t have asked for more from their team.
Russia, the host nation was warm beyond expectation. Fans from the world over were treated with immense respect and help was always at hand. Transport was seamless and the fan parks buzzed at all times. The game experience was outstanding to say the least. Had it not been for the lack of umbrellas during the presentation ceremony in the finals, Russia had delivered the most perfect World Cup experience ever.
It was only appropriate that the loud chants of “Ruhssia, Ruhssia” were the lasting sounds of the Fifa World Cup 2018.
India, the Guests:
India as guests played its part too in the campaign. With over 17,000 Indians traveling for the World Cup, this was our highest attended World Cup. Indian football is on its journey upwards but we still have some distance to go. But what we lack in terms of on-field skill, we make up in terms of arm-chair expertise. Indian restaurants around Russia were buzzing with elaborate conversations about statistics, records and player skills – cricket pundits would be put to shame.
Sunil Chhetri was a delight to watch on TV and his candid plea for support to the national team is the least a billion Indians can do to harbour hopes of watching their team play on the greatest stage in the football world.
Its been over two weeks since France lifted the Jules Rimet trophy, the dust just about settling as the World’s favourite game gets ready for league football across the world, the staple diet of the game. Russia 2018 with the help of all participating nations, the hosts and the guests delivered the best World Cup experience that ensured that International Football is in great health. Come Qatar 2022, billions will be back to feast upon a month of high skill, physical prowess, drama and cultural bonhomie all delivered through a ninety-minute game of Football.
