World Cup 2018: 3 biggest talking points of the Mundial so far

#1 The failure of the three powerhouses of world football to reach the quarterfinals

Germany, Spain, Argentina. One month ago, it would have been inconceivable to suggest that none of these teams would make it past the round of 16 in this year’s FIFA World Cup. In fact, you would have been taken more seriously if you had suggested that these would all be semi-finalists. In my opinion, despite being tough for these team’s supporters, overall it is a great result for world football.

Football quite rightly markets itself as the biggest, most global sport in the World. Without a doubt that is correct. I don’t believe that in any other sport in the world you would have 3 of the best teams in the tournament failing to make it to the quarterfinals.

Germany was the biggest let down of these teams. The current World Cup holders barely fired a shot in this World Cup and deserved to go home early. Their worst performance was no doubt against South Korea. Despite 28 shots Germany failed to even get on the score sheet. They went down 2-0 in a game where a win would have been enough to see them advance to the next round.

There’s something about World Cups that does not sit well with Argentina. Despite an embarrassing early draw with semi-pro team Iceland, Argentina scrapped their way to the round of 16. However, it was here that they produced one of the most lacklustre performances in recent memory.

Argentina let through 4 goals to the French side that struggled to get past minnows Australia in the group stage. Conceding 9 goals in 4 games is never going to produce a formula good enough to challenge for a World Cup title.

Lastly come the Spanish. Despite playing an attractive brand of football, Spain won't be contending for the title of world champions this year. Despite making it through the group stages with results that included a win over Iran, and a draw with Portugal in the game of the World Cup so far, Spain was disappointing. Their 1-1 score that resulted in a penalty shootout loss to the hosts Russia summed things up for them really.

Yes, these results have been controversial. However, I believe that for the growth of world football, seeing these teams get knocked out gives other nations hope that truly anyone can go deep into the FIFA World Cup.