What a tournament we have ourselves thus far. The only shadow on what has been an incredibly entertaining tournament is that it’s all coming to an end in eight days. Disappointing to say the least, knowing that our summer days won’t be filled with thrilling World Cup soccer for another four years, but let us at least rejoice while it’s still here.
To highlight the quarter-final clashes taking place Friday and Saturday, Impact Media breaks down what we’ve noticed so far in Mother Russia.
Where are the favourites?
Germany? Gone. Spain? Out. Argentina? Eliminated. Portugal? Back home. Even Brazil fell short. Although there are still favorites left in this competition, a large number of teams expected to be in final eight did not make it this year. And if we’ll all miss the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both sent packing in the round of 16 on the same day, the early ejections of Spain and Germany come as even more of a surprise. There’s nothing more exciting than watching a favourite of the competition crash and burn, and this tournament has had no shortage of that.
Easy side of the bracket
Looking at the last 16, and now the last eight, there was a clear difference in quality between both sides, proven by the quarter-final matchups: while France faced Uruguay and Brazil took on Belgium, England will face Sweden and Croatia will face Russia. No complaining here, as it increases the chances of us seeing an underdog lift the trophy when it’s all said and done. But the matchups on the left side of the bracket are considerably more heavyweight than the right side’s, and with Belgium playing France in the semis, that point is only made stronger.
The Neymar controversy
Surprise or no surprise, Neymar Jr. seems to be in the thick of things at the World Cup, and not necessarily for the right reasons. The internet was set ablaze with memes after Neymar was lightly stepped on by a Mexican player while he was already on the ground. The Brazilian proceeded to rolling around on the touchline in what seemed like unbearable pain, prompting the Mexican coach to later call it “shameful.” Still, Brazil dominated Mexico in the round of 16 clash, and if Neymar was the most embarrassing player on the pitch, he was also the best one; his offensive prowess is responsible for Brazil’s first goal, which he scored himself, and he assisted on the second. Unfortunately, it won’t be enough for the most expensive footballer in the world, as Brazil heads home after being knocked out by Belgium.
Good times for the hosts
There’s nothing like winning at home. For Russia, that took a whole new meaning when they knocked Spain out of the competition. Stanislav Cherchesov’s men showed great courage defending against the Spaniards, despite being outshined in every category except the one that counts. Spain had 76% possession, nine shots on goal as opposed to just one for the Russians, and attempted 1,137 passes compared to Russia’s 284. But if this World Cup has taught us anything, it’s that a strong defense is very important in a one-game scenario. The last time a host nation won the World Cup at home was France in 1998. Will the Russians repeat the feat? They certainly think so.
End of a Ballon d’Or era?
Can it finally happen? The last time it did was 2007. Lionel Messi was a young teenager who just turned 20 years old, and Ronaldo, a bit older, was still playing for Manchester United. That year, the best player in the world, and recipient of the Ballon d’Or prize, was Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Kaká. Since then, a decade worth of Ballon d’Ors were split between the two best players in the world, both taking home five apiece. It’s made for a thrilling rivalry, but it’s time for a changing of the guard. And with both having been knocked out of the World Cup, the stage is set for someone to shine and claim the prize. Will it be Kylian Mbappé? Or maybe Kevin De Bruyne? Let’s not forget the maestro in midfield, Luka Modrić. If England makes a final, can Harry Kane be given a look? Only time will tell.
