The top threes of the FIFA World Cup 2018 so far
The group stage witnessed immense drama, excitement and thrill as the teams battled for the last 16.
(WebDesk) - Fans all over the world can t get enough of the ongoing football festival in Russia. Almost every match produces moments that become the talk of the town for days. The group stage just came to a close and already fans from all over the world are buzzing with great excitement. The initial matches witnessed immense drama, excitement and thrill as all 32 nations battled out for a place in the last 16.
Here is a look at the top threes of the FIFA world cup from the group stage, all in descending order:
Top three upsets of the group stage
3) Croatia stun Argentina by three goals
Three clinical strikes from Croatia sealed a surprise victory. Photo: File
Going into the world cup, Croatia were relatively unsure of their position in one of the more tougher groups but their performance against Argentina confirmed that the Vatreni were a force to reckon with.
The Argentinian defence were no match to the Croatian midfield that kept asking questions. Throughout the match Messi, the little magician, was kept quiet by the opposition defence which meant that the Croatians had the margin to attack and attack they did.
Top notch goals from Rebic, Modric and Rakatic ensured a complete humiliation of the Argentinians; one that would put them on the brink of elimination.
2) Ronaldo-led Portugal held by stubborn Iran
Portugal were left frustrated in the 1-1 draw against Iran. Photo: File
When Iran was drawn in the same group as Portugal, almost everyone expected Portugal to fire past the Asians with ease but that wasn’t to be the case as the world soon found out that matches are not won on paper.
An inspired Iran unit stepped up to the occasion and played football like there was no tomorrow. Although Portugal took the lead in the 45th minute courtesy a remarkable goal by Ricardo Quaresma, the Iranians never lost hope and once a Ronaldo penalty was saved by the young Iranian goal keeper, the Asians never looked back. Continuously committing men forward eventually, bore fruit as Iran were awarded a penalty that was put home by Karim Ansarifard.
The result gave immense confidence to Iran and compelled Portugal to ask questions to themselves.
1) Germany knocked out early
Players, fans and analysts alike were left stunned by Germany s exit. Photo: File
Perhaps the greatest shock of the entire tournament came in the final moments of the last group match between South Korea and Germany. The champion’s curse continued in 2018 as South Korea sent the defending champions home.
The shock exit was pretty much on the cards following Germany’s dismal performance throughout the tournament. The ex world champions were first defeated by Mexico after which they managed to scrape past Sweden with 10 men before being ousted by South Korea once and for all.
The exit left world football stunned for a fairly long time.
Top three stunning strikes from the group stage
3) Ronaldo’s unstoppable free kick against Spain
There’s rarely an occasion where one talks about top goals and Cristiano Ronaldo is not featured in it. In this edition’s very first match for Portugal Ronaldo scored from a phenomenal free kick; one that had one of the world’s best goal keepers stranded. The goal ensured a vital point for the Portuguese against 2010 champions, Spain
2) Quaresma stuns Iran’s goalie with a fabulous strike
Another Portuguese to feature in the list of top 3 goals is Ricardo Quaresma. His effort from outside the box stunned both the Portuguese and the Iran fans alike as his side took the lead in the 45th minute of the match.
1) Modric seals victory against Argentina with exceptional strike
Luka Modric caused extreme distress for Lionel Messi and his national side Argentina as he struck an exquisite curling effort from outside the box; one which had the entire stadium up on its feet.
Top 3 goal scorers
3) Romelu Lukaku (4 goals)
With four goals in just two matches, Lukaku is third on the list for the tournament s top scorer. Photo: File
Third amongst the array of strikers is Manchester United striker and Belgian international who has so far bagged four goals in two matches. If Lukaku remains fit for the rest of the tournament, he could very well top the list very soon
2) Cristiano Ronaldo (4 goals)
Superstar Ronaldo is expected to top the list come the end of the World Cup. Photo: File
Next in line is Cristiano Ronaldo, one of best players in the world at the moment. The Portuguese superstar has so far managed to score four goals in three matches. Of his four goals, three of them were scored in the opening match against Spain. His fans would be praying for his team to qualify further so he could bring the Golden Boot along with him when he flies home.
1) Harry Kane (5 goals)
Thanks to the clinical hattrick against Panama, Kane leads the pack with 5 goals. Photo: File
The English striker has so far started only two out of three games for the three Lions out of which he managed a clinical brace and an impressive hattrick against Tunisia and Panama respectively. If England keep on progressing further in the tournament, Kane has a very good chance of claiming the Golden Boot.
By: Raacikh Asghar
