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The World Cup final will be contested by France and Croatia on Sunday in Moscow while the 3rd place game will feature losing semi-finalists Belgium and England. The French beat the Belgians via a solitary Samuel Umtiti goal in the second half while Croatia came from a goal down to break English hearts and win 2-1 with goals from Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic.
The tournament has been a gripping contest between 32 teams who have all dazzled under the lights at the grandest stage of them all. Down to two, both teams are unbeaten in the tournament as they contest for the most prestigious trophy in world football.
The Russia 2018 World Cup has produced a number of great stars and shown a glimpse of what's to come from future talents in the beautiful game. Records have been shattered, tears have been shed, and a number of fans from around the world have flocked to the tournament to watch the greatest spectacle in the world and they have not been disappointed by the festivities.
Across teams, there have been a number of players who have stolen the headlines for their displays and maybe rightly so but there have been many who put in superb shifts for the team. Unsung heroes are underrated players who are vital to teams' successes and a bunch of players have stepped into the role. One who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them.
Here we take a look at the four most underrated players of the tournament.
#4 Benjamin Pavard
Another right full-back, 22-year-old French defender, Benjamin Pavard's inclusion in the French squad for the World Cup drew a lot of criticism from fans across the globe. Didier Deschamps faced a lot of heat for his inclusion but the player has come up with the goods.
With sound positioning and good attacking play including a special goal against Argentina, Pavard has exceeded expectation. With Uruguay up next for France, the player has become a valuable addition to the team and important to the manager.
Pavard was invaluable in their two games against Uruguay and Belgium defensively, closing shop against some of the best-attacking footballers in the world. The young defender's composure on the ball and off the ball is a sign of confidence in his abilities to be unfazed by the occasion and carry on playing the game. He will be crucial in the final against Croatia taking on the dangerous Perisic and Rebic but is capable of handling the task.
The Stuttgart defender has been a revelation for France at full-back and is one of the most underrated players of the tournament and could earn himself a big money move post the final.
#3 Kieron Trippier
England right full-back, Kieran Trippier has been brilliant for Gareth Southgate down the right flank. Both defensively and offensively, the player has proved to be a real threat notching up a number of assists and a goal to his name while remaining solid defensively.
With great delivery and service from the player to the attacking players in the team, while acting as a solid cover for the back three, the hard-working right full-back has been exceptional. Trippier has been key for Spurs as well despite their signing of Aurier to replace Walker in the team.
With Walker acting as the right center-half in the back three in the national set-up, the player has gelled with Trippier playing in his preferred position and formed a good aggressive duo for the country. He was crucial for England when they come up against a physically challenging Swedish team but they got through the test, setting up a clash with Croatia.
Trippier sent England on their way with a gem of a free kick in the opening few minutes, however, despite a resilient shift, England were ousted 2-1, bringing an end to their world cup campaign. All-in-all for England were amazing all tournament long and entertained fans throughout with their style of play.
#2 Thomas Meunier
Belgium wing back, Thomas Meunier has been absolutely solid for Belgium all-through the tournament but missed out on a spot in the semi-final against France due to the yellow card rule. From the start of the competition, the Belgian full-back has been one of the most creative players in the ranks for Martinez but was a huge miss in the semi-final defeat to France.
The French did not have to deal with creativity and the running Meunier puts in every game. He was a massive miss for the Red Devils, however, the players' stock would have risen with his performances in Russia.
The PSG player has been sensation down the right and for me, has been the best Belgian player of the tournament by far. The wing-back picked up two yellows that ruled him out of the important semi-final that now sees him possibly play in the 3rd place match on Saturday. A hard-working, tricky, quick, and versatile player, Meunier can play anywhere on the field.
#1 Mario Mandzukic
Mario Mandzukic has lead the line for his country superbly and not put a foot wrong all tournament, as he guided the small country to their first ever World Cup final appearance. Mandzukic and Croatia will head into the final of the World Cup against France as underdogs yet again but the wave of Croatian magic could spell the end of another disastrous final for France.
The player was instrumental in the country's comeback victories against England and Russia with crucial goals helping Zlatko Dalic's side make history. With a game left in the tournament, Croatia's golden generation has come up good and stands a chance at claiming the world title in a couple of days.
Juventus striker Mandzukic has experience playing high-level games as he as contested many a number of UEFA Champions League finals although he has been on the losing end of two finals with Juventus and won one with Bayern Munich.
However, a World Cup final is completely different and like his teammates, Mandzukic too will be relishing his shot at glory, knowing that one more win could change the complexion of not just Croatian football but world football.
