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Every four years football fans from all over the globe come together to witness the amazing spectacle that is the FIFA World Cup. Each new tournament brings new surprises as it is a chance for players to show their talents on the biggest stage in sports.
The 2014 World Cup brought us the breakout of stars such as James Rodriguez, who earned a huge deal with Real Madrid after his performances for Colombia. Like Rodriguez, a good World Cup run is a chance for any player to earn a new big deal at a new club if they can perform well for their nation.
With many great young talents being chosen to represent their countries, we now take a look at the biggest surprises and breakouts of the 2018 World Cup and what's to come for these budding superstars.
#3 Cho Hyun-Woo
At the age of 26, the South Korean stopper made a name for himself with a multitude of magnificent saves throughout the group stages in the 2018 World Cup.
Relatively unknown by many, football fans across the globe would be forgiven if they were to say they had never heard of the keeper from Daegu FC, who has achieved 9 caps for country and 143 for club. But after some incredible performances in the group stage, Cho Hyun-Woo is finally getting the credit he deserves.
Averaging four saves per game in the three matches he started for South Korea in the group stages, Cho was originally supposed to be the back-up keeper for South Korea and quickly became one of the biggest surprise packages at this year's World Cup. Helping the Asian team to a 3rd place finish in group F over Germany, who were tipped by many to win the tournament, Cho was the 'Man of The Match' in perhaps the biggest upset game of the World Cup as he kept a clean sheet while making six saves in a 2-0 win over Germany to knock them out of the competition.
Cho's rise to stardom has seen top European clubs generate interest in his abilities with Liverpool seemingly interested in him as a replacement for heavily criticised keeper Karius.
#2 Yerry Mina
Yerry Mina has had many doubts over the past 18 months about his ability at centreback. The 6'5 Colombian joined Barcelona in January of 2018 and was expected to be the long-term replacement for club legend Gerard Pique.
Making his competitive debut in the Copa del Rey semi-final, as a substitute, Mina finally got his chance to prove himself as he was given five starts in La Liga once the title was already wrapped up for Barcelona. However, he produced what was to be seen as very unconvincing displays in the central defence for the Catalan club especially in a 5-4 defeat against Levante to end Barcelona's invincible run.
All of that seems to be years in the past now, though, as Mina has found excellent form for Colombia in this World Cup. Mina became the nation's leading goal-scorer in the competition on the back of three goals, including a 92nd minute equaliser against England, which eventually led to Colombia being knocked out through penalties.
Mina has definitely been a surprise package in the 2018 World Cup with his performances exceeding expectations and generating interest from clubs around the world.
#1 Denis Cheryshev
The home nation was the lowest-ranked nation in the competition, and yet Russia managed to defy the odds and reach the quarter-finals before being knocked out on penalties by Croatia. None of that would have been possible without the outstanding performances of Denis Cheryshev.
Before the tournament, the most notable moment in his career was getting Real Madrid knocked out of the 2015/16 Copa Del Rey after being fielded, while being ineligible to play. But now, after multiple incredible goals, Cheryshev will go down as a Russian hero. Currently positioned second in the golden boot with four goals to his name, it is incredible to think that he was only a substitute in Russia's first game against Saudi Arabia, coming on due to the injury of Dzagoev in the first half.
With many wonder goals to his name, the Villarreal winger can expect many suitors to come knocking on his door about potential transfers before the 2018/19 season begins.
