World Cup 2018: 5 of the biggest flops at the mundial

The FIFA World Cup 2018 has finally come to an end as France beat Croatia to clinch their second World Cup trophy, in what was an action-packed and exhilarating event.

This World Cup has had its fair share of events and it's synonymous with phrases like; ''all good things come to an end" and "in the heat of battle, heroes emerge, sometimes from the most unlikely of sources".

This World Cup will forever be remembered for its unprecedented results, upsets and high-voltage matches.

New heroes emerged and dazzled the audience with their spectacular performances for their respective national sides. They became a massive piece in the jigsaw and had crucial roles in their team.

However, numerous players who were billed to hog the limelight in Russia completely disappointed the fans. They were regarded as the most crucial part of their teams, but became a burden, a liability for their respective sides.

Their incompetence affected their team's performance and negatively impacted the outcome. In this article, we take a look at 5 players who flopped at the FIFA World Cup 2018.

---

#5 Manuel Neuer

No longer the same old Manuel Sweeper Neuer

Germany's group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup was the most shocking of all the news we have heard. The Germans were considered as hot favourites and came on the back of impressive performances.

But on the ground, it was a different story altogether! Joachim Loew made numerous mistakes in this edition, and his preference for Manuel Neuer ahead of in form Ter Stegen was one of the biggest.

Neuer missed major parts of the season due to an injury, whereas Ter Stegen stood impregnably and impressed everyone at FC Barcelona. However, Loew decided to go for Neuer. It came to haunt him time and again.

Neuer was no longer the same goalkeeper who won the Golden Glove in Brazil. His performance was below-par and he committed numerous flaws that cost Germany the title.

#4 Gerard Pique

Pique flopped in Russia

FIFA World Cup 2010 Champions Spain were ousted by hosts Russia in the pre quarters. The team lacked incisiveness in the attacking front and lacked solidity at the back.

Gerard Pique had an awful campaign for Spain this time. He was not as stern as he usually is. He floundered to effectively nullify opposing attacks in the tournament.

Pique's handball against Russia brought them back into the game, and eventually paved the way for their exit.

His teammate Sergio Ramos was also unimposing. Ramos also failed to stay solid and tenacious. The ineffectiveness of this defensive duo led Spain to concede 6 goals from 4 games.

#3 Sami Khedira

Khedira

Germany endured a tragic campaign in Russia as they were sent home as early as the group stage.

Germany's frailties were exposed and exploited by opponents such as Mexico, Sweden and South Korea.

Sami Khedira performed poorly for the Germans at the World Cup. He failed to act as a shield for the defence and even forgot his defensive duties. Opponents on numerous occasions took the German defense by surprise

The Germans were vulnerable during counter-attacks, and Sami Khedira's incompetence defensively helped opponents get the better of Germany.

#2 Lionel Messi

Messi couldn't inspire Argentina to global glory

Scoring a goal and assisting another two in the FIFA World Cup may sound decent for a player, but not for Lionel Messi.

The runners-up of the previous edition were expected to go on better this time, but fate had other plans. Messi and co failed to live up to expectations and were knocked out by France in the pre quarters.

Messi endured a tough campaign. He missed a penalty against Iceland in Argentina's first game. He was dismantled by Croatia in their second game. However, he stepped up against Nigeria and helped Argentina survive an upset.

Their journey didn't last long. In the pre quarters, an Mbappe inspired France defeated Argentina. Throughout the tournament, defenders kept Messi silent and he was unable to pull the rabbit out of his hat.

He didn't get the space and time to bring devastating impact. Messi's flopped, so did Argentina!

#1 David de Gea

David de Gea - Not so safe hands!

David de Gea was widely touted as the best goalkeeper in the world following his extraordinary, inhuman performances for Manchester United in the English Premier League.

Fans, neutrals, even haters across the globe expected DDG to replicate that form in Russia, to leave everyone bewildered by his incredible saves.

Everyone will remember David de Gea for his performance in the FIFA World Cup 2018 - but for all the wrong reasons.

Spain started their campaign against Portugal and DDG made an inexcusable blooper, helping Ronaldo score his second.

David de Gea guarded Spain's goal in 4 games and made just 1 save! Awful, unfortunate tournament for DDG.

In the penalty-shootout against Russia, de Gea failed to make even one save.