World Cup 2018: Top 5 players to look out for in the semis

This World Cup has been one of surprises. From the exciting run of the home nation to the early exit of the Cup holders, there is nothing the 2018 World Cup has not seen.

To top it off, the most important games are yet to be played. With France taking on Belgium and Croatia taking on the English, the best moments might be yet to come.

Looking into the performances put in by some players especially in the latter stages of the tournament, a few talents can be singled out to look out for as the World Cup reaches its semi-final stage.

In no particular order, let us look at these standout players who might be instrumental in the performance of their respective teams in winning the tournament, and in a particular case, 'Bringing it home'.

#5 Harry Kane

No World Cup list can be prepared without mentioning the prolific Harry Kane from England. The man has 6 goals to his name and is out-and-out the best goal scorer in the English team.

This is further proven by the fact that the second-highest goalscorer for England is John Stones (a defender) with 2 goals.

Yes, he has arguably had a few chances from the spot but as we have seen in this tournament, even the best can miss penalties and Harry hasn't. He has scored 3 goals from 3 penalties.

It is never possible to take this man's ability for granted and his goal scoring performance will be key to the success of the English team.

#4 Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann's individual performance in the quarter-finals brought the Uruguayans to their knees

The World Cup looked like it was the ideal tournament for Antoine Griezmann to showcase his huge inner ability but it wasn't so in the beginning.

Yes, the Australian game was a good one for Griezmann, but most of his other performances had been below the level of expectation the man demanded. This culminated with a substitution against Argentina for Nabil Fekir.

But man did he bounce back against Uruguay! With 1 goal and assist, Antoine was involved in both goals that the French scored. The confidence boost will only help to improve this man's performance and it will be interesting to see how he handles the likes of the Bulky Belgians and who will "Take the L".

#3 Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard has been a silent killer of teams with consistent performances

When this tournament began, no one thought Jesse Lingard could be one of England's best performers but, like in the past, he has proved everyone wrong again.

Colombia wasn't the best game for him, but he fired when it mattered the most. It was a first touch cross to give Dele Alli the ideal delivery for an ideal header against Sweden.

Just like Jose Mourinho, Gareth Southgate seems to get the most out of Jesse who fires when it matters.

The knockout stages seem to be Jesse's hunting ground and he will most likely play a huge role in realizing England's dream to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

#4 Kevin De Bruyne

KDB's goal against Brazil is the reason for Belgium's presence in the semi-finals

This man is fairly easy to include in this list since he is arguably one of the greatest players of the current game. With precise passes and assists to his name, KDB has managed to set the world on fire.

It is not a surprise that this man has the most assists in Europe's top 5 leagues ever since he moved to Manchester City.

Consistency is key and his goal against Brazil proves that this man has much to show even in the latter stages of the tournament. His forward movement is also helping Belgium as they can now play Lukaku on the right and Hazard on the left. They are two deadly players who could've easily made it into this list themselves.

#1 Luka Modric

Luka Modric's assist against Russia helped take the game to penalties

His goal against Argentina proved why this man is feared. Croatia were the underdogs going into that game but Modric turned it around.

Against Russia, he was the man that the team looked at for inspiration. He had 2 key passes and 2 successful dribbles. He even got his penalty absolutely right when it mattered.

Helping Real Madrid in the their multiple Champions League-winning campaigns has prepared this man for the pressure of the final stage of the tournament, and his contribution along with that of Ivan Rakitic will decide the outcome of this tournament for the Croats.