2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia

2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was held in Russia, after they won against joint bids from Portugal/Spain, Belgium/Netherlands, and from England.

The biggest change in the tournament was the introduction of the video assistant referees (VAR) and it had a big impact on several games. Even though FIFA declared its implementation a success, it received both praises and criticism by commentators.

The 32 places would be allocated as follow: 1 for the hosts, 13 to UEFA (including Israel), 4 to CONMEBOL, 4 to AFC, 3 to CONCACAF and 5 to CAF. One of the last 2 places would be contested by the 5th from CONMEBOL vs. and the winner of OFC. The other would be contested by the 5th from AFC vs. the 4th from CONCACAF.

The final was played by France and, by the first time, Croatia. The French started ahead with an own goal by Mario Mandžukić from Croatia. It was the first own goal in a world cup final. Croatia was able to tie the game 10 minutes later. But at the end of the first half the French were ahead of the score, 2-1. In the second half, France extended their lead scoring two more goals. Loosing by 4-1, Croatia didn’t have any choice but try to attack fast. They were able to score once more but the French won with a score of 4-2, winning their second title after 20 years of their first win.

List of qualified teams: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Uruguay.

Champions: France
2nd place: Croatia
3rd place: Belgium

Top scorer player: Harry Kane, England – 6 goals
Top scorer team: Belgium, 16 goals

List of all the tournaments