The 2018 FIFA World Cup is now over. France went on to lift the crown for the second time in their history, beating first-time finalists Croatia this past weekend.
Looking back upon what was one of the most exciting international tournaments in recent history, the quadrennial extravaganza threw our way many moments of shock and surprise, some brilliant, awe-inspiring moments as well.
There were numerous players who stood up to the immense pressure and rose to the occasion for their national teams. At the same time, there were those from whom a lot of things were expected heading into the tournament, but ultimately failed to deliver on the grandest stages of world football. And here we pick out a line-up, featuring such stars, who let their country down in Russia;
Formation: 4-2-3-1
From being heralded as the best keeper in the game, to making one of the biggest gaffes of the 2018 World Cup, De Gea’s campaign in Russia looked doomed the very moment he fumbled that Cristiano Ronaldo effort into his net. The Spaniard could never recover from that and went on to put more meek displays between the sticks, as La Roja exited in the second round. Surely a tournament to forget for De Gea.
GK: David De Gea
Drafted in for the injured Dani Alves in the Brazil squad, the diminutive right-back got his chance in the team after Danilo picked up an injury during the tournament. But Fagner failed to make most of his opportunities in team, offering little defensive security, and nothing in terms of attacking output. One of the biggest let-downs in Tite’s squad.
RB: Fagner
Another Spaniard featuring in the worst XI of the World Cup, the Barcelona defender was way off from his usual level and that was one of the biggest factor’s in Spain’s undoing. The penalty that he gave away against hosts Russia in the round of 16 will come back to haunt him for a long time.
CB: Gerard Pique
Considered right up there with the best in his position, the German left Russia with his reputation tarnished. Boateng was a shadow of his former self, constantly being run ragged by strikers with pace, getting caught out of positions on a regularity. Got himself sent off in a must-win game against Sweden. Disastrous World Cup for the former champion.
CB: Jerome Boateng
The Argentine full-back was always going to be tested sternly, but the manner in which he was outplayed, outrun at almost every step, barring the game against Nigeria was a shocker. His displays against Croatia in the group stage and against France in the knockouts were particularly forgettable.
LB: Nicolas Tagliafico
From being the best player in the World Cup four years ago, to being named in the Worst XI this time out, it has come full circle for Argentina’s midfield general Javier Mascherano. Showed his spirit and determination, but couldn”t back it up with performances as he was constantly bypassed by opponents in the midfield, his lack of pace severely exposed.
CM: Javier Mascherano
Another player, whose lack of pace and mobility was exposed, much like Mascherano, the Spanish midfield anchorman failed his team on the biggest stage this summer. Busquets was nowhere near as influential as he can be, as he had been for Barcelona in the season preceding the World Cup. Looked well past his prime and it remains to be seen if he has a future in the national team setup going forward.
CM: Sergio Busquets
One would usually expect the little magician from Argentina in the Best Players’ XI, but sadly for him and for the Albiceleste, it wasn”t Messi’s year once again. The Barcelona man tried hard, he showed fleeting glimpses of his brilliant self every now and then, but ultimately the pressure of carrying the entire nation’s hopes on his shoulders proved to be too much for Leo.
RW: Lionel Messi
The German playmaker has been at the heart of the success that the team have achieved under Joachim Low since the turn of the decade. And naturally a lot of things were expected of him in Russia. Alas, the real Ozil never really showed up in Russia. There was no intent, no purpose in his displays and frankly, it wasn”t a major surprise that he was left out from the starting XI against Sweden.
CAM: Mesut Ozil
For all his running and endeavour, Raheem Sterling can be extremely wasteful in front of goal, which makes it quite frustrating for the fans. And turned out to be the case in Russia, as the Englishman, usually paired up with captain Harry Kane in attack, failed to score or assist even a single goal. He looked lively and dangerous with the burst of his pace, but the end product went missing once again. The last time he scored for the Three Lions was almost three years, in November 2015. The wait goes on.
LW: Raheem Sterling
The Poland captain’s terrible record in major international competitions continued in Russia as he failed to net a single goal or even set one up for his team, as they crashed out of the group stages. Coming into the tournament, Lewandowski was the highest goalscorer in the UEFA Qualifiers, and had enjoyed another brilliant campaign for Bayern Munich. But, unfortunately, he failed to translate this form at the grandest of the stages.
ST: Robert Lewandowski
