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Weanalyse the best and worst players on Day 4 of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.Matches onDay 4Ecuador 1-2 SwitzerlandFrance 3-0 HondurasArgentina 2-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
#1 Goalkeepers
France keeper Lloris (L) and Honduras keeper Vallarades (R)
Best Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris (France)
Though the French goalkeeper did not have much to do on a day of French domination, he was the best goalkeeper of the day as he was comfortable and alert throughout the game. Honduras just managed 4 shots in the entire game and he did well to keep out all those. Lloris was also confident in his judgement on various occasions as he came forward to take balls coming into the box.
Worst Goalkeeper – Noel Vallarades (Honduras)
The veteran goalkeeper did make some stunning saves. But, the three goals that he conceded make him the worst goalkeeper of the day. The 37-year old struggled under the bar against an imploding French attack as he could not do anything to save the third goal from Benzema. Earlier, he even conceded an own goal and failed to save the spot kick.
#2 Defenders
Swiss defender Rodriguez (L) and Honduras defender Beckeles (R)
Best defender: Riccardo Rodriguez (Switzerland)
The 21-year-old Swiss left-back was the best of the defenders on day 4. A well positioned Rodriguez successfully contained the dangerous winger Antonio Valencia as the Ecuador skipper failed to create any decent chances for his side.
Also, he constantly broke down through the left-flank causing serious threat to the Ecuador defense. In fact, he was the one who set-up both the goals for his side. Just after half-time, he delivered the perfect set-piece delivery to Mehmedi as the striker headed home the equalizer. Later deep into the injury time, he controlled the ball well to provide the fatal cross as Seferovic tapped in the ball to get a late winner for the Swiss.
Worst defender: Byan Beckeles (Honduras)
Beckeles was pathetic on the field as he was not unable to contain the surging forwards of France. He made few important tackles but he was totally outclassed by Benzema & Co. He also resorted to rough tackles as he could not match the speed of his opposition. He even kicked Valbuena at one instance. Given his below-par performance he bags the place for the worst defender of the day.
#3 Midfielders
France’s Valbuena (L) and Honduras’ Palacios (R)
Best midfielder: Mathieu Valbuena (France)
Mathieu Valbuena was the best midfielder of the night after his strong commanding performance. Valbuena was all over the field proving to be a constant nemesis to the Honduras side. With his lightning pace and exuberant skills he was the creative fulcrum in the midfield for France. The Marseille midfielder was a delight to watch as he had a huge impact on the game.
Worst midfielder: Wilson Palacios (Honduras)
If one player who can be blamed for the debacle of Honduras against France, it can be none other than Wilson Palacios. Being the most experienced player of the side, he played an amateurish game as he went for rash and rough challenges right from the beginning.
His second foul on Paul Pogba inside the box not only led to his sending off, but also gave the opening goal from the spot for the French side. Thereafter, the 10-man Honduras struggled to cope up as they conceded two more goals in the second half.
#4 Forwards
France’s Benzema (L) and Bosnia’s Dzeko (R)
Best forward: Karim Benzema (France)
Karim Benzema was the man who made the night for the French. Playing in his first ever World Cup match, he had a dream debut as he found the net twice for the les blues against Honduras. For his first goal, he converted the penalty with ease just before the half time and later made a sharp first touch to bag his second goal of the game.
Expected to carry on the legacy of producing clinical goals like former Frenchman Thierry Henry, he surely showed signs of brilliance throughout the game.
Worst forward: Edin Dzeko (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Edin Dzeko was expected to play the leading role for Bosnia reproducing his red-hot Manchester City form. But, the lanky striker hardly lived up to his expectations.
He was not able to make his presence felt as he tried link-up play. All he did was to win few unproductive headers and blast a half-chance well over the bar.
