8 things that are very different in FIFA World Cup 2018 so far
- End of Round 1 Review
- Jun 20, 2018
- 3 min read
I think we can all agree that World Cup 2018 has been full of surprises, upsets and tragedies. 16 games have been played and thus we have had every team showcasing their talent in the biggest stage of world football. Thus, we at FT bring you the top 8 things that are quite odd this World Cup.
1. No goalless draws since 1994
This is the first world Cup since 1994 without a goalless draw in its first round. Exciting games of football with lots of goal scoring opportunities have been a trend this World Cup. Teams are mostly set up to outscore their opponents. Even the smaller teams are having a go on the counter and trying their best to hurt the big boys.
2. Last minute goals
The matches this World Cup have been a joy to watch for any neutral fan and has lived up to the hype. Very few games of football have been one-sided and teams have managed a way to fight back after conceding. Uruguay, Portugal, France, Iran and England have all scored late in games and broke millions of hearts.
3. VAR
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been introduced for the first time in a FIFA World Cup as referees get to second chance to look at game changing decisions and make a call. A panel of referees assist the match officials if certain decisions need to be reviewed. Goals have been overturned and penalty kicks have been given with the help of VAR. VAR is the new member of the football family we all need to get accustomed to.
4. Less cards
Possibly due to the introduction of VAR, this has been one of the cleanest World Cup since 1986. It took 16 games for a player to get a red card back in 1996 and in World Cup 2018 we could have managed that. The 15th game between Columbia and Japan saw Carlos Sanchez receive his marching orders after he deliberately stopped a goal with his hand.
5. Giants falling
Germany, Spain, Argentina, Brazil have all dropped points in the first round of the World Cup. Germany, the defending champions, had to face defeat in their first game as they couldn’t break down a young Mexico side. Argentina and Brazil were frustrated by Iceland and Switzerland respectively as they couldn’t manage the winner. Spain were restricted to a 3-3 draw by a Portugal side that is driven by one man, Cristiano Ronaldo.
6. Minnows rising
Teams like Tunisia, Australia, and Panama may have lost but gave a great account of themselves as they frustrated the teams with big firepower and talent. On the other hand Senegal, Switzerland, Iceland and Mexico made sure they snatch points off the likes of Poland, Brazil, Argentina and Germany and keep their groups as open as possible.
7. Asia doing better
Asian teams have fared better this World Cup as football in Asia keeps on growing. We all know about the investments in China and Saudi Arabia. Infrastructures are improving in most nations and teams like Japan, South Korea and Iran have proved that. Iran beat an experienced Morocco side, where the likes of Mehdi Benatia, Hakim Ziyech and Real Madrid’s Achraf Hakimi are a part of. Japan beat a star studded Columbia line up consisting of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado. South Korea were hard to break as Sweden needed a VAR decided penalty to get a win.
8. Football’s coming home. Well, kind of
England have played some amazing football which is very new from them. The Golden Generation saw egos and personal agendas take over the team spirit. This England side has no stars and is mostly dependent on the team spirit. An established identity, a style of play and a fixed formation in 3-4-3 where players know their jobs is a fresh approach from the 3 Lions. Is football coming home? Umm, probably not.
Comments