The World Cup in Russia is regarded by many as the best ever. It gave the world plenty of moments to cherish for a long, long time. Here is rewinding to some of them:
Kylian Mbappe’s sprint against Argentina
The 19-year-old showed the world a glimpse of the future as he broke away from his own half and sped past the hapless Argentine defenders. He covered 70m at 38 km per hour before being brought down by Marcos Rojo inside the box and earned a penalty.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick
It was Spain 3 Ronaldo 3 in the game that really set up the World Cup on day two. The free-kick which helped Portugal equalise for one last time, in the 88th minute, was a screamer.
Japan taking a 2-0 lead against Belgium
With 21 minutes remaining, Japan, ranked 61st in the world, led Belgium, ranked third, 2-0 in the last 16 encounter, which would become perhaps the match of the tournament. The goal that nearly took the Asian underdog to the quarterfinals was a stunning long-ranger by Takashi Inui before Belgium authored one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the World Cup to win 3-2.
Igor Akinfeev’s penalty save with his foot
In a game that shocked the world but delighted the host fans, Russia overcame the 2010 champion Spain in the penalty shootout. The hero was Russia’s custodian Akinfeev, as he came up with an incredible save with his left foot, even as he dove to right, against Iago Aspas, who took the last kick with the score at 4-3.
Ivan Perisic’s goal in the final
After going down by the Mario Mandzukic’s own goal early on, Croatia needed something magical to claw its way back against the hot favourite. Perisic provided just that, as he fired in a bullet with his left foot after one touch from near the edge of the box, piercing the defence.
Toni Kroos’s winner at the death against Sweden
With just just seconds left, Germany — after its stunning loss to Mexico in the opening match — looked destined to split points with Sweden when Kroos came up with one of the goals of the tournament. From just inside the left side of the Swedish box, he rolled his free-kick to Marco Reus, who stopped it and set up for that stunning shot into the far corner.
Game-changing VAR’s debut
VAR could be the greatest legacy of this World Cup; there is room for improvement still and it has courted controversy, even in the final, but it has made football fairer and more exciting. France became the first beneficiary as Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty against Australia on the second day of the tournament; the challenge on him by Joshua Risdon had gone unnoticed the first time around.
Romelu Lukaku’s perfect dummy against Japan
It would remain one of the most brilliant assists you would ever see – or rather a non-assist. In the final minute of stoppage time with the score at 2-2, Kevin de Bruyne began a stunning counter-attack that ended in a great through ball on the right to Thomas Meunier, whose low cross was selflessly dummied by Lukaku for Nacer Chadli to slot home the winner.
Essam El Hadary saving a penalty at age of 45
In Egypt’s last group match, El Hadary finally got a chance against Saudi Arabia and became the oldest ever to play at the World Cup. He made the occasion count too, as he brilliantly saved the penalty taken by Fahad Al Muwallad.
Senegal’s warm-up dance
Senegal may have failed to repeat its stunning success 16 years after its sensational debut at the 2002 World Cup, but its warm-up routine proved a big hit. The dance steps by the players ahead of the game against Japan went viral on the web.