World Cup 2018: A Deep Dive Into The RSSSF Archives

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2018 FIFA World Cup, hosted in Russia, through the lens of the Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF). This tournament was packed with surprises, memorable moments, and, of course, some incredible football. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the details, RSSSF provides a treasure trove of information that goes beyond the typical match reports. Let’s explore what makes the RSSSF archives so valuable and revisit some of the key highlights of the 2018 World Cup.

What is RSSSF and Why Does It Matter?

First off, what exactly is RSSSF? The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation is an international organization dedicated to collecting and archiving detailed statistical information about football (or soccer, if you prefer!). Founded in 1994, RSSSF has become the go-to resource for football historians, journalists, and fans who want more than just surface-level data. Think of it as the Wikipedia of football stats, but with a higher level of scrutiny and accuracy. Seriously, these guys are meticulous!

Why does it matter? Well, for starters, RSSSF ensures that football history is accurately preserved. They compile data on everything from match results and goalscorers to lineups and referee information. This level of detail is crucial for researchers and anyone looking to understand the nuances of the game. Want to know who scored the fastest goal in a particular tournament or which referee handed out the most yellow cards? RSSSF has you covered. Plus, it's an invaluable tool for debunking myths and verifying facts in the often-exaggerated world of sports commentary.

The level of detail you find in the RSSSF archives is truly impressive. For the 2018 World Cup, they meticulously documented every match, providing detailed reports that include not just the final score, but also information like the stadium, attendance, referees, and even the weather conditions. Beyond the basic stats, RSSSF also delves into team lineups, substitutions, and goal times, offering a granular view of each game. This makes it possible to analyze tactical decisions, player performances, and the overall flow of the match in ways that standard reporting often misses. If you're someone who loves to dissect the game and understand the 'why' behind the 'what', RSSSF is an indispensable resource.

Furthermore, RSSSF's commitment to accuracy is what sets it apart. The foundation relies on a network of dedicated volunteers who cross-reference multiple sources to ensure the data is as correct as possible. This rigorous approach helps to weed out errors and inconsistencies that can often creep into other sports databases. In a world where misinformation can spread rapidly, having a reliable source like RSSSF is more important than ever. Whether you're a journalist writing an article, a researcher conducting a study, or simply a fan settling a bet with your friends, you can trust RSSSF to provide you with the facts. They even keep track of quirky and unusual statistics that you won't find anywhere else, making it a treasure trove for trivia buffs and football nerds alike.

Key Highlights from the 2018 World Cup

Alright, let’s get into the juicy stuff! The 2018 World Cup was a rollercoaster of emotions, upsets, and unforgettable moments. From Russia's surprising performance to France's ultimate triumph, here’s a rundown of some key highlights, backed by the detailed data you can find on RSSSF.

Russia's Unexpected Run

Hosts Russia entered the tournament with low expectations, but they defied the odds by reaching the quarter-finals. Their opening match against Saudi Arabia set the tone, with a dominant 5-0 victory. According to RSSSF, this was Russia's biggest win in a World Cup since 1994. The team's success was built on a solid defense and clinical finishing, with players like Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba becoming household names. Although their journey ended against Croatia in a penalty shootout, Russia's performance was one of the tournament's biggest surprises. RSSSF meticulously records each of Russia's matches, providing detailed insights into their tactics and player performances, proving their unexpected run was more than just luck.

France's Dominance

France, led by young stars like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, were a force to be reckoned with. Their journey to the final was marked by tactical flexibility and individual brilliance. Mbappé's performance against Argentina, where he scored two goals and won a penalty, was a standout moment. RSSSF notes that Mbappé became only the second teenager to score multiple goals in a World Cup knockout match, following in the footsteps of Pelé. In the final against Croatia, France secured a 4-2 victory, claiming their second World Cup title. The detailed match reports on RSSSF highlight France's strategic approach and the key contributions of their players throughout the tournament. France's triumph was a testament to their balanced squad and Didier Deschamps' tactical acumen.

Memorable Matches and Upsets

The 2018 World Cup was full of thrilling matches and unexpected results. Iceland, making their World Cup debut, drew 1-1 with Argentina, with Hannes Þór Halldórsson saving a penalty from Lionel Messi. This result, documented in detail by RSSSF, was a huge shock and a testament to Iceland's resilience. Another notable upset was South Korea's 2-0 victory over Germany, which eliminated the defending champions in the group stage. RSSSF provides comprehensive data on these matches, including team lineups, key statistics, and post-match analysis, offering a deeper understanding of the factors that contributed to these surprising outcomes. These upsets added an element of unpredictability and excitement to the tournament.

Individual Performances

The tournament also showcased some outstanding individual performances. Harry Kane of England won the Golden Boot with six goals, while Luka Modrić of Croatia was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. RSSSF tracks these individual accolades, providing a detailed breakdown of their contributions to their respective teams. Kane's goal-scoring exploits helped England reach the semi-finals, while Modrić's midfield mastery guided Croatia to their first-ever World Cup final. These individual performances, meticulously documented by RSSSF, added a layer of narrative and intrigue to the tournament, highlighting the impact of star players on the overall outcome.

How to Use RSSSF for Your Own Research

So, how can you use RSSSF to dive deeper into the 2018 World Cup or any other football tournament? It's actually pretty straightforward. The RSSSF website is a bit old-school in its design, but don't let that fool you – it's a goldmine of information. You can search for specific tournaments, teams, players, or even referees. The key is to be specific with your search terms.

For example, if you want to find detailed information about the 2018 World Cup final, just type