How every team contributed to making this World Cup the Greatest Ever

Exited at the Group Stages:

Iceland, Australia, Costa Rica – with 1 point

Australia v Peru: Group C - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Australia’s sporting world is having a bad time with TV cameras off late. If the Cricket team’s crafty methods were caught by South African producers earlier in the year, the VAR officials in Moscow handed over the first TV decision penalty against the Socceroos. The persistent calls for Tim Cahill to come and make an impact at 38 means this is one World Cup Australia are really far from winning ever.

Iceland v Croatia: Group D - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The world fell in love with Iceland during their unprecedented run to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016. Russia 2018 showed a potential for the romance to blossom again, especially after they held Argentina to a draw in their first game. But an underwhelming performance against Nigeria and then a defeat to Croatia meant that the Viking clap was their only contribution to go really long in this edition.

Switzerland v Costa Rica: Group E - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Costa Rica had a largely uneventful World Cup. Their defiance of Brazil for nearly 90 minutes a feather in their cap and a draw against Switzerland in their final game gave them the solitary point for their efforts at Russia’18.

Panama, Egypt – 0 points

Saudia Arabia v Egypt: Group A - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Panama and Egypt both drew a blank at the World Cup. Panama were expected minnows having entered for the first time but showed ample spirit on the field and in the stands – their trip to Russia, being a great celebration in itself. Egypt on the other hand had a talisman upfront in Mo Salah, the Liverpool forward, but his injury three weeks prior to the World Cup rendered him less effective and ended Egypt’s campaign in three defeats.

Germany – 3 points

Korea Republic v Germany: Group F - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

Germany failed to break the Champion’s hoodoo that has been haunting European World Cup winners since 2002, however, theirs was possibly the most shocking exit ever. The German engine always motors along, irrespective of opposition, venue or conditions – not this time. A shock defeat to Mexico in their first game, in which they were outplayed at most times, followed with a last-gasp win against Sweden through some individual magic by Toni Kroos. They reserved their worst for the last game against South Korea though. They attacked ceaselessly but lacked tooth and their forays into the box lacked adventure and precision both. As the clock ticked by they appeared to lack mental steel as well and gave away two goals in injury time to exit face-palmed.