2018 FIFA World Cup: Relive All The Match Highlights!

The 2018 FIFA World Cup, held in Russia, was a spectacular tournament filled with unforgettable moments, stunning goals, and dramatic upsets. For those who want to relive the excitement or catch up on what they missed, here’s a comprehensive look back at all the match highlights. Let's dive into the thrilling journey of the 2018 World Cup, from the opening ceremony to the grand finale.

Group Stage Highlights

The group stage set the tone for an action-packed tournament. Here are some of the standout matches:

Russia vs. Saudi Arabia (5-0)

The opening match saw Russia deliver a dominant performance against Saudi Arabia. Russia immediately announced their presence with a resounding 5-0 victory, fueled by a partisan crowd in Moscow. This match featured goals from Gazinsky, Cheryshev (twice), Dzyuba, and Golovin, showcasing Russia’s attacking prowess and setting the stage for their surprising run in the tournament. The energy in the Luzhniki Stadium was palpable, and the Russian team fed off the enthusiasm, creating a memorable start to the World Cup. This game was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent, suggesting that Russia was not just a host but a contender. For fans around the world, it was an introduction to some of the lesser-known players who would go on to make significant impacts throughout the competition. The sheer joy and celebration that followed each goal were infectious, capturing the spirit of the World Cup.

Portugal vs. Spain (3-3)

One of the most anticipated matches of the group stage, Portugal against Spain, lived up to the hype. Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a masterclass, scoring a hat-trick to secure a 3-3 draw. The game was a back-and-forth thriller, with Spain initially dominating possession but Portugal always posing a threat on the counter. Ronaldo's goals included a penalty, a stunning strike from outside the box, and a late free-kick that curled perfectly into the net, leaving David de Gea helpless. This match not only showcased Ronaldo's individual brilliance but also the resilience and fighting spirit of the Portuguese team. For Spain, it was a reminder that even with a squad full of talent, individual brilliance can change the course of a game. The draw left both teams with work to do in their remaining group matches, adding extra intrigue to the group B standings. The match is still talked about today as one of the greatest World Cup matches ever played.

Germany vs. Mexico (0-1)

The defending champions, Germany, suffered a shocking defeat against Mexico. Hirving Lozano's goal secured a historic win for El Tri. Mexico’s high-pressing and energetic play stifled Germany’s midfield, preventing them from establishing their usual dominance. Lozano's goal, a well-taken finish after a swift counter-attack, sent shockwaves through the tournament and signaled that Germany was vulnerable. The Mexican fans erupted in celebration, creating an electric atmosphere both in the stadium and back home. This match was a wake-up call for Germany, highlighting their weaknesses and the need for improvement if they were to progress deep into the tournament. For Mexico, it was a statement of intent, demonstrating their ability to compete with the best teams in the world. The victory gave them a huge boost of confidence and set them on their way to qualifying for the knockout stages.

Knockout Stage Highlights

The knockout stage brought even more drama and excitement, with several matches going down to the wire.

France vs. Argentina (4-3)

A thrilling encounter saw France defeat Argentina in a seven-goal spectacular. Kylian Mbappé announced himself on the world stage with two goals and a performance that terrorized the Argentine defense. The match was a rollercoaster, with Argentina initially taking the lead through Di Maria and Mercado, but France's superior pace and power eventually proved too much. Mbappé's goals were a testament to his incredible speed and finishing ability, while Griezmann and Pavard also contributed with stunning strikes. For Argentina, it was the end of an era, with Messi unable to inspire his team to victory. The match was a classic example of youth versus experience, with France's young stars outshining Argentina's aging squad. The high scoreline and dramatic twists and turns made it an instant classic.

Belgium vs. Brazil (2-1)

Belgium overcame Brazil in a quarter-final clash filled with tactical intrigue. Belgium's counter-attacking prowess was on full display as they exploited Brazil's defensive vulnerabilities. An own goal by Fernandinho and a stunning strike by Kevin De Bruyne gave Belgium a comfortable lead. Brazil pulled one back through Renato Augusto, but Belgium held on to secure a famous victory. The match was a tactical masterclass from Belgium's coach, Roberto Martinez, who set up his team perfectly to exploit Brazil's weaknesses. Brazil, despite their attacking talent, struggled to break down Belgium's organized defense. This victory cemented Belgium's status as a serious contender for the World Cup title and sent Brazil home earlier than expected. The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams giving it their all.

Croatia vs. England (2-1 AET)

Croatia defeated England in extra time to reach their first-ever World Cup final. England took an early lead through a Kieran Trippier free-kick, but Croatia fought back, with Perisic equalizing and Mandzukic scoring the winning goal in extra time. The match was a tense and physical affair, with both teams giving their all. Croatia's experience and resilience proved to be the difference, as they weathered England's early pressure and gradually took control of the game. For England, it was a heartbreaking defeat, ending their dreams of bringing football home. However, their performance in the tournament was a significant improvement on previous years, and they showed great promise for the future. Croatia's victory was a testament to their team spirit and determination.

The Final: France vs. Croatia (4-2)

The final saw France defeat Croatia in a thrilling match to lift the World Cup trophy. France secured their second World Cup title with a 4-2 victory over Croatia. An own goal by Mandzukic and goals from Griezmann, Pogba, and Mbappé sealed the win for Les Bleus. Croatia fought valiantly, with Perisic and Mandzukic scoring for their side, but France's superior quality and tactical discipline ultimately prevailed. The match was a fitting end to a fantastic tournament, with both teams giving it their all. France's victory was a testament to their talented squad and Didier Deschamps' tactical acumen. Croatia, despite the defeat, could be proud of their incredible run to the final, which captured the hearts of fans around the world. The final was a celebration of football, with both teams showcasing their skill, passion, and determination.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was a tournament filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. From stunning goals to shocking upsets, the tournament had it all. Reliving the highlights allows fans to appreciate the skill, passion, and dedication of the players and teams that competed. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or someone new to the sport, the 2018 World Cup provided memories that will last a lifetime.