FIFA World Cup 2018: Five things we learned from the pre-quarterfinals



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The knockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup ended Tuesday night and two days without football before the first quarter-final. Here are the last four hectic and entertaining days that have taught us, according to Xinhua news agency.

1. The overtaking is not all

Spain has withdrawn after losing a penalty shootout against Russia, after 120 minutes of play, with more than 1,000 pbades – a new World Cup record in Russia in 2018. The only goal clean purpose as a result of a piece together. Possession sometimes seemed to be an end in itself, rather than a means to an end. Far too often, a Spanish player checked and moved horizontally rather than moving in space, allowing a brave but limited Russian team to prepare for his defense and keep a penalty shoot-out that gave him a sense of inevitability. 19659002] 2. Belgium: It pays to be positive

There was 30 seconds left when Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois caught the ball in his zone. Most goalies would have been happy to hang on their chest to let pbad a few seconds to ensure extra time. Courtois, however, thought of Kevin de Bruyne running almost the entire length of the field, which allowed Nacer Chadli to score for Japan 3-2. Maybe the Spaniards should take note; sometimes the speed and speed of thought are important, and it pays to be positive.

3. Mbappe: New world number one?

This World Cup is now without Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo; the two players who dominate world football for over a decade now. With Messi 31 and Ronaldo 33, this World Cup could show us who will take over. The goals and leadership of Harry Kane make him a candidate, but for simple football sensations, the torch could be directed against the French Kylian M & # 39; bappe, 19, who won a penalty when of the 4-3 win of France against Argentina. score twice in a World Cup final match. It was a breathtaking show of rhythm and skill that implies that he could just be the next big superstar.

4. Messi: No man can be an island at the World Cup

Argentina flirted with disaster in the group stage and although hopes were high that they could improve after defeating Nigeria in the group stage. An impressive French team has made Argentina's weaknesses too clear and with Messi out of shape and surrounded by players who are just not good enough to win a World Cup, defeat seemed inevitable. A great player can carry a team from time to time, but against the best in the world, reality will hit you sooner than later.

5. The world can end; England won a penalty shootout

England does not win a penalty shootout. It is clear that something important has happened and that the natural order of the world has changed, maybe we should start preparing for the end of the world … or maybe Gareth Southgate could he change the mentality of this young English team? The Southgate men approached this World Cup with hope rather than with the fear that followed other campaigns.

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