World Cup 2018: Top 5 attackers of the tournament

Over 3.2 million football fans stepped up to watch the 2018 FIFA World Cup that took place in Russia, making it the most popular event of the year so far. During its 32-day period, the competition never failed to mesmerize spectators across the globe for a single moment, with a lot of interesting clashes, heroic moments and eye-catching displays as various footballing nations locked horns in their bid to claim the prestigious crown.

Although it has finally ended, the memories that came along with the tournament will last forever. It was a thrilling experience to watch France battle it out through the knockout phase, edging past the likes of Argentina, Uruguay, and Belgium before finally defeating Croatia to take home the coveted trophy.

Apart from producing new world champions, the World Cup also witnessed a lot of incredible attackers who lit up the competition with their amazing exploits in front of goal. These fantastic superstars made the tournament a prolific one, breaking records upon records and announcing their names on the prestigious stage in style.

Therefore, lets quickly take a look at the top 5 attackers that participated in the competition in Russia:

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#5 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium - 4 goals)

The Belgian was a constant threat throughout the competition

Belgium's golden generation that featured in the World Cup consisted of many elite attackers including the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Yarnick Carrasco and Dries Mertens. To complement these incredible creative talents, there was Manchester United striker, Romelu Lukaku who occupied the foremost attacking position in Roberto Martinez's line-up.

Lukaku was a serious threat to opposition defenses throughout his World Cup campaign in Russia. He used his size, strength and fantastic finishing ability to his advantage, tearing opposition defenses apart and leaving a mark in the competition.

The Belgian cemented his place among the finest goalscorers in the tournament, recording an incredible 4 goals to his name in just 6 matches. He also helped his nation to claim the third spot in the competition as they defeated fellow Europeans, England in the third-place contest.

#4 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal - 4 goals)

The attacker bagged an incredible hat-trick against Spain

After leading Real Madrid to a third consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph in May, Cristiano Ronaldo entered the World Cup with the determination to prove himself on the biggest stage in football. Even though he couldn't inspire his nation to win the prestigious trophy, he still managed to leave a mark in Russia, finishing as one of the most impressive attackers in the tournament.

It took him just 4 minutes to register his name on the scorebook, beating David De Gea with a perfect effort from the spot during Portugal's opening fixture against Spain. He added two more goals in that match and became the first player to net a hat-trick during the competition as both nations played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Olympiyskiy Stadium.

The attacker added one more with a decent header against Morrocco to raise his tally to four and secure his place among the elite goalscorers in Russia. With his 4 goals in 4 matches, Ronaldo managed to lead Portugal into the knockout phase of the tournament but a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay forced the European champions out of the World Cup.

#3 Kylian Mbappe (France - 4 goals)

The French prodigy won the World Cup Young Player award

Paris Saint Germain superstar, Kylian Mbappe was one of the brightest attackers in the World Cup this year. At just 19, the teenager has earned a lot of comparisons with Brazilian hero, Ronaldo De Lima, courtesy of his incredible performances in the competition.

The French wonderkid was really a fantastic revelation in the tournament, managing to eclipse the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar Junior and Cristiano Ronaldo on the world's most prestigious stage.

His pace, trickery, dribbling and goalscoring exploits helped him to impress in the big-games, typically producing one of the finest individual displays in the competition during France's 4-3 demolition of Argentina in the Round of 16, a match in which the PSG superstar bagged a fantastic brace.

Mbappe had a decent start to his World Cup career, bagging 4 goals and 1 assist in the tournament as well as helping his nation to claim the prestigious trophy in Russia. He also claimed the FIFA Young Player award as the most impressive youngster in the competition.

#2 Antoine Griezmann (France - 4 goals)

Griezmann led his nation to the claim the prestigious World Cup trophy

France had a lot of decent players in the World Cup this year. Apart from Paris Saint Germain youngster, Kylian Mbappe, Atletico Madrid sharpshooter, Antoine Griezmann is another French attacker who lighted up the tournament with a lot of eye-catching performances in Russia.

Charged with the responsibility of leading a great nation to world glory, amidst intense pressure and expectations, the 27-year-old never disappointed with his performances in the competition as he put up some of his brightest displays in the French jersey.

Despite the intensity and the high level of competition in the World Cup this year, the attacker still managed to steer his way through and ended up leaving a mark in the tournament. His 4 goals in 7 appearances qualify him as one of the deadliest attackers that participated in the competition.

Apart from his individual brilliance, Griezman also achieved success with his national team. The Atletico Madrid hitman led France to their first World Cup final since 2006, scoring a brilliant goal as the Les Bleus defeated Croatia 4-2 to claim the prestigious trophy.

#1 Harry Kane (England - 6 goals)

Harry Kane won the Golden Shoe

Nothing can be so exciting as leaving a mark in football's greatest competition. Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane was one of the most dominant figures in the World Cup this year, putting up great performances as he represented his nation in the prestigious tournament.

It was just his debut appearance in the competition, yet the attacker dominated it with style, tormenting opposition defenders and reaching fantastic milestones in his career.

Even though his country won no prize as they finished fourth in Russia, the attacker still had a decent campaign on an individual note, winning the World Cup Golden Shoe for his incredible goalscoring exploits in the competition.

With his 6 goals in 6 matches, the Tottenham Hotspur maestro entered his name in the history books, becoming the 21st player to win the prestigious accolade ever since it's establishment.