The FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 theme was "Expect The Unexpected." That is exactly what we got as viewers. From defending champions Germany being knocked out at the group stage. Another former champion Spain was eliminated by Russia in the round of 16. Who among you saw those results coming? If you did then you better try your luck at playing lottery because I never imagined that both Germany and Spain could have been knocked out so early in the competition. Brazil was another former champion to bite the dust. I believe that as long as Neymar is in the team they won't win the world cup. He is too theatrical and aims at conning officials and players even though he is blessed with an abundance of talent. They were dumped out in the quarterfinals by an emerging power in Belgium, who I have to admit I picked to win but had to settle for 3rd place, their best finish in 32 years at the World Cup We also witnessed the unexpected run of England into the semi-finals, lead by golden boot winner and captain Harry Kane, which surprised many of their supporters. Russia had a fairy tale run as well where many pundits didn't expect them to get out of the group stage yet alone the quarterfinals where they were just ousted by finalists Croatia via penalty shootout.What about arguably two of the greatest players of all time; Lionel Messi and Ronaldo led teams knocked at the round of 16 on the same day. The Argentina team was doomed from the start when head coach Jorge Sampaoli didn't know his best 11. That is inadequate preparation going into a World Cup, while Portugal came up against a well organized defensive outfit in Uruguay. Even after this World Cup there will be debates who is better.
The most controversial topic of the world cup is the use V.A.R.( Video Assistant Referee ). There were a lot more penalties given because of it. I am for it because too often in the past poor decisions has cost a lot of teams to lose games. This made players have to watch their physicality in the penalty box. For me there has been too much pulling and tugging of players' uniforms.
The World Cup has been the best I ever witnessed. It drama of late goals, penalty shootouts, shocking exits and shocking runs. Take a bow Russia! Qatar in 2022 have huge boots to fill.
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