As was the case within the final World Cup, the holders have been knocked out within the first spherical.
Host: Russia
Groups: 32
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 64
Targets: 169
Winner: France
Runners-up: Croatia
Golden Boot: Harry Kane (England)
Background
Russia gained the proper to host the World Cup in a bidding course of that included two joint bids (Portugal-Spain, Belgium-Netherlands) and a bid from England.
FIFA confronted criticism from world wide on account of Russia’s current annexation of Crimea, its dealing with of racism and discrimination towards the LGBTQ group and dealing with of doping amongst its athletes.
The event, nevertheless, went forward as deliberate and kicked off in a packed Luzhniki stadium in Moscow.
Russia raced to a 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia, after which went on to beat Egypt as a way to qualify for the spherical of 16.
As was the case within the final World Cup, the holders have been knocked out within the first spherical. Germany confronted the ignominy of dropping two of their group video games and scoring solely two targets.
The quarter-finals introduced heartbreak for the hosts as their sudden run got here to an finish on a penalty shoot-out towards Croatia.
Brazil and Uruguay, in the meantime, have been knocked out by Belgium and France respectively.
England, powered by Harry Kane’s prolific goal-scoring type, fell quick within the semi-finals however gained acclaim for his or her run within the event.
Croatia made it to their first ever ultimate, due to its golden technology, led by playmaker Luka Modric (winner of the event’s Golden Ball award).
France boasted a star lineup of its personal, together with Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and N’Golo Kante amongst others. Mario Mandzukic’s personal purpose opened the scoring for France, who then added three extra and added one other World Cup crown to their title.
Highs
VAR know-how was launched to help referees with decision-making.
Fewer purple playing cards have been proven as in contrast with earlier tournaments.
The sleek operations and lack of crowd violence was recommended by consultants.
Lows
Host choice was closely criticised.
Three members of the Russian squad have been allegedly discovered to be listed in a report detailing doping in Russian sport.