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After so many exciting matches, we have finally got the lineup for the semi-finals and they will be edge of the seat affairs as four big European teams lock horns to play in the final of the 2018 World Cup.
None of the big World Cup teams like Brazil, Argentina or Germany have reached the semi-finals this time around. It has been a very poor display from the perennial champion teams. But the optimism of getting to see the all conquering teams in the semi-final is exciting.
Credit must also be given to the Russian football team for their performances during the tournament. As if retreating was not in their plans, they fought hard till the end. They played their part in this wicked and surprising World Cup finals, and stayed around for longer than anyone imagined.
Yet after the heartbreaking defeat, pride filled the Russian players with supporters' warm applause reverberating the whole stadium. They have to bear the fact that the World Cup must go on without them. But in the end, the Russian players can leave with their head held high. So here is a review of all the four quarter-final matches.
#1 Uruguay vs France
It could be Frances’ year of winning the World Cup. The heartbreak of losing the European Cup final at home has probably made them stronger. And Didier Deschamps is the mastermind to their success thus far.
The point of utilising his players’ talents to a certain level and delivering it on the pitch is something that has not been successfully tested before, and Didier Deschamps has mastered it very well. And the peerless Paul Pogba is at the centre of their success, alongside the hard working N’Golo Kante.
There were moments in the match which could have had a different effect to the result of the match. Raphael Varane scored with an Antoine Griezmann assist in the first half which was followed by a decisive save of the tournament by Hugo Lloris from a Martin Caceres header. And the second goal was scored by Antoine Griezmann after the break with a fierce shot, which was spilled by Fernando Muslera into the goal.
Had Edinson Cavani been fit enough to play, Uruguay could have had a better striking partner to the sublime Luiz Suarez. Two world class forwards playing together makes it a treat to watch. But it was not to be.
Same can be said of the Uruguayan defence, who had a match to forget as they only conceded one goal coming to the match. Two World Cup semi-final appearances in eight years could have been a good achievement. But France prevailed this time out.
#2 Brazil vs Belgium
The fact that Brazil came to this tournament as favourites and still did not make it to the semi-final describes how cruel the sport can be after the heartbreak of the last World Cup’s humiliation. But the players of the so called golden generation of the Belgian team finding glory after years of promise gives us another reason to celebrate the birth of a new football kingdom.
The promise of bringing long standing glory to Belgian football with this exclusive set of football talents gives us hope after the Germany, Spain and Argentina debacle.
Two tailor made goals produced off a brilliant Roberto Martinez plan made the Brazilians look ordinary. Using the height advantage from a corner for the first goal (although an own goal) and using the pace to counter for the second goal took Brazil by surprise.
Weather it was seeing Romelu Lukaku using his pace and power to use the ball against the Brazilian defense or the brilliant Kevin De Bruyne using his precision to make an effect, it was mesmerising to watch.
While at the same time, Eden Hazard showing his capability to usurp Neymar as the next possible Ballon d’Or winner is exciting. While the Belgians can rejoice defeating the mighty Brazil, they will still have to work hard to end on a high note on 15th July.
#3 Sweden vs England
With the chorus of “it’s coming home” voiced out loud all around the streets of England, optimism certainly surrounds the English fans’ hope of a World Cup after fifty-two years since they last won it.
Former England player and now manager - Gareth Southgate, could possibly masterminded this achievement. The fact that he was also on the receiving end of a World Cup upset twenty years ago probably made him the man he is now.
The fact that Jordan Pickford repaid the faith the manager had put on him describes how much trust he has on his players, which is a quality every player would love to have on his manager.
With as many as three brilliant saves to deny the Swedish forwards to score in the match, Jordan Pickford brilliantly answered his critics of his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Using his strength and power to score the first goal, Harry Maguire made the Swedish defence look like kids playing with older players.
While another header by Dele Alli from a cross by the brilliant Jesse Lingard finished off the game, with the Swedish players using long ball tactics to attack against the resolutely brilliant English defense. With everything to play for, England’s World Cup dream is in their hands.
#4 Russia vs Croatia
The glory hunting hosts Russia with quite brilliant performances in this World Cup losing stubbornly to a talented and hard working Croatian team captivated millions of fans not only in the homeland, but also worldwide.
The joy on the fans’ faces in the stadium after their 115th minute equalizer from Mario Fernandes did not last long, as the penalty shoot-out to broke their hearts. This Russian team made it further at this year’s World Cup than what was expected.
On the other hand, it is Croatia who reached their World Cup first semi-final after a long gap. Only the shoot-outs separated the two teams after 120 minutes of pulsating game of football.
Denis Cheryshev gave Russia the lead in the first half with a brilliant long-range curling shot which was cancelled by a Andrej Kramaric header just before half time. With Vida heading Croatia to the lead in extra time, it was left to Mario Fernandes to equalize for an exciting end to the game.
After a decisive miss by extra time hero Mario Fernandez, it was down to Ivan Rakitic to score the winning kick and send the Croatian fan’s into a frenzy.
After a certainly tiresome game, all Croatia can do is to recover well for their semi-final match. We congratulate Russia for giving the performance their fans deserved.
