World Cup 2018: 5 forwards who flattered to deceive in the group stage

Some really big names have failed in this World Cup
Some really big names have failed in this World Cup

#4 Antoine Griezmann (France)

Griezmann's Euro 2016 heroics look like a distant memory
Griezmann's Euro 2016 heroics look like a distant memory

The Atletico Madrid star was touted to be a strong contender for the prestigious Golden Boot, having wrapped up another fine club season. He was also France's talisman at the Euros on home soil with 6 goals. But his time in Russia so far hasn't been anything to write home about.

Griezmann has looked a poor imitation of his rip-roaring self going forward, partly due to lack of service, and partly due to his own struggles in the box. Forget scoring, he's attempted only 9 shots in 3 appearances - 14th in the list and behind even the likes of Wahbi Khazri, Emil Forsberg and Aleksandr Mitrovic - and one of them includes the penalty he dispatched against Australia in the opening game.

But even now, just a day before France's crunch game against Argentina, that spot-kick remains his only meaningful contribution. He had one of the fewest touches on the ball against Peru and Denmark (42 and 48), whilst his attempts have lacked the firepower to cause any real trouble in the opposition box.

France, as a team itself, are yet to click in the tournament. And Griezmann's struggles are nothing but an embodiment of several issues currently ailing this side.

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