Every four years, the world watches the spectacle of football World Cup with amazement. The euphoria and the excitement is second to none. More than half the world is glued to the football World Cup. The 2018 football World Cup has come to an end, but not without leaving memories for a life time. It has been a fascinating World Cup, where France has stamped its authority with the Cup and Croatians have won the hearts of one & all.
This World Cup had it all, upsets, comebacks and VAR, theatrics, presidents breaking protocols and a great final to end the finale.
We take a look at 10 Most Popular Moments of the 2018 Football World Cup.
1. Belgian Comeback
The most amazing and the best counterattack of the 2018 World Cup featured just seven touches from four players. It went from one end of the field to another in just 10 seconds. It was electrifying. It completed Belgium’s unbelievable comeback from 2-0 down to 3-2 up against Japan. The player who made the goal, and won the game, didn’t even touch the ball. The Belgian player was Romelu Lukaku.
2. Toni Kroos 95th minute goal against Sweden
For 94 minutes, he was the reason for the ouster of Germany. Perhaps even the villain. Toni Kroos was the reason, why Germany was heading out of the World Cup. He scored a goal in the 95th minute and dragged Germany back from the brink, and likely into the knockout rounds. The goal ensured Germany won the game against Sweden 2-1.
3.Cristiano Ronaldo’s free-kick against Spain
This moment of Russia 2018 football World Cup was one of the most cherished. One of the most popular heroes of the football world, Christiano Ronaldo did his magic. When Portugal were playing against spain, portugal trailing 2-3 with a couple of minutes left in the game, Ronaldo won a clever free-kick off Gerard Pique about 25 yards from goal. He scored his hattrick and saved the day for Portugal with a 3-3 scoreline against Spain. A moment of sheer brilliance and magic.
4.Benjamin Pavard’s Incredible hit against Argentina
Which was the best goal of the tournament? The honor goes to French defender Benjamin Pavard. His was easily among the best individual goals, if not the best in the tournament. France was facing elimination, Argentina had scored two goals on either side of the break. It was then an incredible moment of football from Benjamin Pavard, who came up with a stunning goal, which paved the way for France to come back and ultimately won the game marching into the semifinals.
5.Lionel Messi’s goal against Nigeria
Lionel Messi scored the first goal for Argentina in their crucial match against Nigeria. After a rather meek start to their World Cup, Argentina were in a position to advance out of the group stage and it was their hero, uncharacteristically quiet up to this moment, who had scored a tremendous goal. However, Nigeria were too good on the day and won the game 4-2.
6. Pogba’s pass
The final match had its sheer of moments. The crowning moments in the game that mattered the most. It had its moments of beauty, charisma and triumph for France. The pass eventually led to Pogba scoring, a goal which gave France a 3-1 lead. The goal was spectacular. Pogba kept his head when the initial shot was blocked. He then hit the ball in a clinical fashion to grab the much needed third goal for France.
7. Hugo Lloris save against Uruguay
This save from the French goalkeeper was one of the most important moments. The French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris did a splendid job stretching himself in a position to save the day for his team against Uruguay. He had barely seconds to stretch himself across the net to save the header from Uruguay’s Martin Caceres at the end of the first half. Had he failed to save this goal, Uruguay would have equalised the game and the match could have gone either ways.
8.Panama’s Maiden World Cup goal
One of the most enthralling moments of the tournament was the way Panama fans celebrated their lone goal after being hammered 6-1 against England. Fans went crazy when Felipe Baloy score against England. It was their maiden World Cup goal. They were down by five goals, but that didnt deflate the spirits of their fans. A moment of celebration and elation for Panama.
9.Russia beats Spain to Surprise Everyone
Russia wasnt given much chance against Spain. They were easily the underdogs. Despite being the host nation, Russia was the lowest-ranked nation heading into the tournament. Russia sent Spain home after one of the most thrilling and unbelievable upsets in World Cup history.
10.An incredible final
The final was the fitting finale to the great football World Cup 2018. It was packed with both brilliant and controversial moments. Croatia had their share of hardluck and would have complaints about the penalty awarded to Ivan Perisic. It was a contentious moment.
But the final also had plenty of brilliance and football magic in it from both teams. The best two teams in the World Cup final. Kylian Mbappe emerged as world’s most exciting young player in the world. The 2018 World Cup gave plenty of moments to football lovers to cherish and enjoy. It will be a sporting spectacle to remember.
