FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Second Round Facts, Round Of 16 Shape-Up
The second round of the World Cup 2018 has ended and the Round of 16 has begun taking shape. So far we have seen several upsets, several oddness and even several randomness. We now have to wait and see who will emerge from those who still have hopes to making it far in the tournament. Of the 24 teams still alive in the tournament, four will be eliminated in the next four days. Here is to an exciting end of Group stage.
Already Eliminated:
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Peru, Costa Rica, Tunisia, Panama and Poland.
There are no surprises in the list of already eliminated teams. However, Costa Rica left lots to desire after their great performance in Brazil four years ago. Sadly, three of the five African countries did not qualify to the next round. Which should be of concern for the African Federation. However, CONCACAF representatives (Panama and Costa Rica) did not do well this time around. Mexico is the only team to have won their matches thus far.
Best Match:
Germany vs Sweden
The dramatic way in which Germany came from behind to tie and then to win the game. A last minute free-kick by Toni Kross made this game the most exciting of all.
Surprises:
Japan and Senegal
Both Japan and Senegal have been the biggest surprises in this World Cup. In Group H, Colombia and Poland were believed to have been the better teams. However, the Japanese have their destiny in their hands if they beat Poland. While Colombia and Senegal will likely fight for the second spot, should Japan prevail.
Biggest Upsets:
Argentina and Egypt
Los Gauchos continue to be the most disappointing team despite being lead by Lionel Messi. In similar fashion, Egypt was not able to make the spark everyone believe it would with the assist of current sensation Mohamed Salah.
Despite all of this, Argentina has hopes to qualify if they beat Nigeria and Croatia wins out against Iceland.
Good To See:
Russia
The hosting nation typically is given the easiest path to the next round. However, there were little hopes of Russia making out of their Group with Egypt and Uruguay in that group. They can finish strong with a win over Los Charruas.
Golden Boot Run:
- Harry Kane (England) – 5 Goals
- Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 4 Goals
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 4 Goals
- Denis Cheryshev (Russia) – 3 Goals
- Diego Costa (Spain) – 3 Goals
- Artem Dzyuba (Russia) – 2 Goals
- Eden Hazard (Belgium) – 2 Goals
- Admed Musa (Nigeria) – 2 Goals
- Philipp Coutinho (Brazil) – 2 Goals
- Luka Modric (Croatia) – 2 Goals
- John Stones (England) – 2 Goals
This has definitely been the World Cup for the Europeans. Most goals have been scored by Europeans with the exception of Musa and Coutinho who are from Nigeria and Brazil respectively. Cristiano Ronaldo will end up with the award. There is no doubt in that.
