Why Russia 2018 was the biggest World Cup: England dreaming, VAR, goals, drama | Football News

[ad_1]

England dared to dream, goals, drama, fans and VAR – we argue why it was the biggest World Cup in history.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described Russia 2018 as the "best World Cup". and it is difficult to disagree

Football has dazzled and, despite the controversy in the final, has been enriched with the addition of VAR. The giants of the game were undergoing early exits, the goals were flying late at an astonishing pace and England almost convinced football to come home

English fans show their support against Sweden in Samara

Here's why we believe that Russia 2018 was the best but we also want to have your news – tweet us @SkyFootball or leave a comment below if you read about skysports.com .

England Dare to Dream

It was a summer to cherish for fans of England, once a polarized nation in its policy rallied in support of the "lofty". Gareth Southgate team. & # 39; Three Lions & # 39; has returned to the top of the charts and it's Coming Home & # 39; s was a common language in pubs, schools, workplaces and social networks.

Here are the reactions of fans of England country to the goals of Harry Maguire and Dele Alli against Sweden.

Supporters were crowded with fan-parks, bathed in the heatwave, and threw beer as the new English generation banished the burden of the past with a shootout win over Colombia as the draw opened like a Golden Highway. The "slab head" of Harry Maguire and the right hand of Jordan Pickford became national treasures.

Gareth Southgate praised his press conferences and his style

But this glorious opportunity to reach the top of football has eluded him when Mario Mandzukic has completed the return of Croatia in the semifinals.

Kieran Trippier celebrates England ahead of Croatia

He left a nation thinking "what if? but there were standing ovations for whistle players full time. A country has cheered, rediscovered its pride in the national team and had a lot of laughs along the way as the same and GIFs stormed social media in tribute to the new heroes

"Can you ask the neighbors to take out the trash? We do not go home for the moment" ??????? pic.twitter.com/s1g3P3jj34

– Harry Maguire ( @ HarryMaguire93) July 8, 2018

Late goals and drama

The Russia's 5-0 win against Saudi Arabia may have set the tone Cristiano Ronaldo had doubled Portugal but, by the time he scored a free kick in the 88th minute, he was lagging behind. The superb shot of Nacho. Ronaldo passed the ball over the wall and in the upper corner to complete his treble and the tournament continued the late soap opera

Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates

VAR excitement. .. and chaos

"I feel mistreated, I do not feel beaten by a better team but almost by technology a bit."

Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan was not impressed by the VAR after the defeat of his team against France but, overall, technology has had a positive impact and even those who oppose it have trouble denying the tragedy. ] VAR HQ in Moscow where all relevant incidents are reviewed ” itemprop=”image”/>

VAR HQ in Moscow where all relevant incidents are reviewed

Al Group Game with Iran. Ronaldo was again very involved, VAR leading to a Portuguese penalty after the 33-year-old was defeated by Morteza Pouraliganji. Ronaldo's penalty was saved but shortly thereafter and Pouraliganji clashed again and the Portuguese had the chance to escape with a yellow card following a VAR overhaul after seeming to elbid the Iranian defender

. However, as Iran was awarded a late penalty to level the game when, during the second viewing, the referee ruled that Cedric Soares had handled the ball. Karim Ansarifard scored but Portugal was hooked to qualify.

And VAR also appeared in the final, although controversy was commonplace. The referee Nestor Pitana kicks the hand to Ivan Perisic after consulting replays on the field

The referee claims VAR during a clash against Morocco

It is perhaps the most noticeable but it was far from it. to be the only shock of the tournament. Spain collapsed in the round of 16, beaten on penalties by Russia, while Croatia went 3-0 against Argentina in the group stage.

Russian players celebrate after defeating Spain on penalties World Cup

major shock but Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and his favorite teammates of the tournament have not done at all that the last four have gone against expectations.

Croatia has proved to be a great team but it is also the lowest ranked team, 20th, to reach the World Cup final. If the rest of the tournament is something to do, then fans should expect the unexpected in the final.

History Makers

The World Cups are not just for some teams; to make the final and potentially win a match or even score a goal can send a wild country.

Egypt has not made a lot of goals or victories in Russia but it has created a bit of history by lining up goalkeeper Essam, 45 years old. El-Hadary, who made his first team debut in 1993.

Essam El-Hadary, the oldest player to participate in the World Cup, saves a penalty from Fahad Al-Muwallad

The oldest player to appear in the history of the competition after being selected to start the last group match against Saudi Arabia.

It was not enough to start a game for the veteran – he went a step further he saved the penalty from Fahad Al-Muwallad.

Meanwhile, Iran, d Rawn in a tough group with Portugal, Spain and Morocco, entered this tournament after winning only one World Cup – a 2-1 win against the United States in 1998.