Top 5 Individual performances in Russia 2018

There it is. The tournament that started with 32 teams, narrowed down to one team ending as CHAMPION. After 64 matches filled with 169 delightful goals, amazing performances, France ended up victorious for the second time. The tournament brought joy for some, sorrow for others but it definitely was entertainment for the fans. The World Cup didn’t disappointed at all. The hype around the World Cup was justified and it certainly lived up to the billing. There were terrific team performances, especially by the Underdogs but the outcome of some fixtures were decided by individual brilliance.

The build up to the World Cup was around the familiar ones. Cristiano Ronaldo , Lionel Messi, Neymar, to name a few. Some established ones maintained their status while the reputations of a few were hit badly, due to their below par performances at the World Cup. But the underrated ones made the fans all over the world look up to their extraordinary display and acknowledge their greatness while some players announced themselves on the biggest stage. Though football is a team sport, there are times when individuals can single-handedly guide the team to the next rounds on the back of their own caliber.

We take a look at the top 5 individual performances that lit up the event in Russia.

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1. Mbappe vs Argentina (Round of 16)

Argentina came into the Round of 16 tie against France on the back of a satisfying display against Nigeria which marked the return of form of Lionel Messi. But the PSG forward had other ideas against the Albiceleste. Just 10 minutes into the game, Mbappe earned a penalty thanks to his blistering pace. The penalty was converted by Antoine Griezmann to give the French the lead.

Argentina came back in the second half to take a surprise 2-1 lead. That's when the 19-year old scored 2 stunning goals against the hapless South Americans. He became the first teenager since Pele in 1958 to score in a knockout game. This performance helped Mbappe and France gain momentum for the rest of the tournament. The confidence the young Mbappe gathered from his exquisite showing against the Messi-led side contributed significantly to France's triumph. In the process, he again emulated Pele as he became the second teenager to start and eventually get his name on the score sheet in the World Cup Final. Kylian Mbappe was even awarded the 'Best Young Player' award this World Cup.

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2. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Spain (Group Stage)

Ronaldo's performance against one of the pre-tournament favorites Spain certainly kicked off the tournament in true sense. Spain and Portugal started their much awaited campaigns at the Fisht Stadium, Sochi. Early into the encounter a foul in the box from Ronaldo's Real Madrid team mate Nacho, gave the former the chance to put Portugal in front from the spot. Just before half time, Ronaldo scored a left footed strike from outside the box to take the lead against the La Rojas. Spain came back from 2-1 down to take a 3-2 lead heading into the final few minutes.

With Portugal still trailing with two minutes to go, the Ballon d’or holder scored an exquisite free kick over the wall to equalize and helped his team get a point from the fixture. This display from which Portugal gained a point proved crucial in their progress to the second round. This hat trick also gave him an early advantage in the golden boot race, which he eventually squandered.

3. Thibaut Courtois vs Brazil (Quarter Final)

When Belgium reached the quarter final to set up a clash against Brazil, there was a lot of praise for their attack which pulled them from behind against Japan. The attack enabled them to come back from two goals down to defeat Japan 3-2 in one of the most entertaining matches of the FIFA World Cup. However, Belgium's capability of going through was questioned by many following the defense and Thibaut Courtois' below par performance against the Asian side.

However all the uncertainty in the air was cleared once the Chelsea goalkeeper took the field against the Selecao as he displayed one of the best performances in his career. Courtois did not concede till 76th minute against an attack which included the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Willian and Coutinho. He made 8 acrobatic saves in the match. Overall he made 27 saves in the tourney, which was the most by any goalkeeper. This helped him win the 'Golden Glove' award.

4. Ivan Perisic vs England (Semi Final)

Dark horses Croatia's run to the semi final won everyone's heart but the team led by Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic was not satisfied yet. In the semi final against England, the win was not inspired by the midfield duo but by Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic. In the second half, Perisic scored an acrobatic to equalize and put the pressure on the Three Lions.

Perisic threatened regularly through the left wing and came agonizingly close to scoring the winner as he struck the post. The luck went in Perisic's favour, as he set up the winning goal to led the Croats to their first ever World Cup Final. He was awarded the Man of the Match award for his impressive showing in the match. However Perisic's impressive form was not enough to take the Croats to their first World Cup title.

5. Edinson Cavani vs Portugal (Round of 16)

When Uruguay and Portugal arrived in Sochi, all the buzz around game was around the Portuguese talisman Ronaldo. But eventually as it turned out, it was not Ronaldo but Edinson Cavani who was the difference between the two sides.

As Portugal was finding it difficult to break the resistance of the 2 time winners, Cavani on the other side scored a brace, including a curling winner to set up a Quarter Final clash against the Les Blues. Cavani was continuously posing a threat for the Portuguese till the time he was substituted by Oscar Tabarez, courtesy an unfortunate injury which even ruled him out of the Quarter Final vs France. Sadly, this turned out to be his last appearance in this year's World Cup.