How every team contributed to making this World Cup the Greatest Ever

Exited in the Round of 16

Spain

Spain v Russia: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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

Croatia v Denmark: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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

Brazil v Mexico: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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”.