The Brilliant and the Disappointing Teams of The 2018 FIFA World Cup So Far
Everybody did not expect these.
The initial rounds of the 2018 FIFA World Cup action in Russia is over. Now, after thorough debate and research, we have come up with a list teams that have impressed us so far and also teams that are somewhat disappointing. Here they are:
The Brilliant Ones
Spain: Despite all the commotion about Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a double against Spain, and De Gea’s uncharacteristic mistakes, the Spaniards were mostly at the better side throughout their matches and had shown lots of creativity, stability and drive in their campaign.
Belgium: The Belgians have been a stand-out team and have enjoyed the wins against Tunisia and Panama. Their defence is pretty solid, the midfield pair, Witsel and De Bruyne, remarkably work together, and their attack has so much potential. From what we are seeing, from all angles, they are bound to go far.
England: Even with relatively inexperienced members, the present English team is one of the most cohesive teams that England has formed ever. With Harry Kane leading the pack plus the team’s great teamwork, the chances are quite high that the Three Lions will savage a few more opponents this 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Mexico: Against Germany and South Korea, the Mexicans were pretty outstanding. The team is very stable and well-balanced. And also, they can switch game plays showing that they are immensely adaptable. With agile defenders, a vigilant goalkeeper and experienced players with the likes of Chicharito, Herrera and Guardado on their team, expect to hear more gritos every match.
Croatia: The Croatian offence is one of the most powerful out there, dominating 2-0 and 3-0 against Nigeria and Argentina respectively. Mario Mandzukic is constant with his intimidating offense and the midfield duo Modric (Real Madrid) and Rakitik (Barcelona) display excellent teamwork. Their defence, however is quite iffy, hopefully, the trio will motivate the team to build a stronger defence later on.
The Disappointing Teams
Germany: The German team is a total shadow of its former self. The team’s defence is as wide open as the Königssee! Their game with Mexico was really bad and the win by Toni Kroos against Sweden wasn’t that impressive either. If this poor run of form continues, they will be out of the game faster than you can sneeze.
Costa Rica: The Costa Ricans were previously picked as having the capacity to trouble bigger teams in. Even with Keylor Navas, the Real Madrid stopper, they have so far proven to be a dud, failed to score and are currently out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Ouch.
Brazil: With a team that’s pumped to the limit with the best players in the world, you could be expecting the Brazilian squad to be contemptuously sweeping away all opposition and filling nets with goals. The reverse is, however, the case, as Neymar and company lack the solidity, cohesion and hunger customarily associated with them. While they have currently stumbled into the next round, more of such poor form will see them exit disgracefully.
Poland: The Poles have the likes of Lewandowski, as well as a team bursting with talent, however, with their display of game play, they were relatively weak. They were expected to finish at second in the group but have finished last and were already been eliminated.
Argentina: Things couldn’t be worse for the Argentinean team. The do not play like an Argentinean team. They have one point! (Really?) Messi seems to have been replaced with an arthritic clone, the defence is a shoddy mess, and the midfield does not look like they have been attending practice. The team needs to play like a team if they want to go further and succeed.
