Russia's knock-out rounds of Football WC- Round of 16 & Quarter-Finals!

No Suarez, No Neymar, No Messi, No Ronaldo either!

Too Fast for Rojo?
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Mbappe's Greasy pace & Muslera's Karius moment:

Argentina had a 'MessI' world cup until Marcus Rojo came up with a late winner against the Nigerians. Rojo was Argentina's 'Hero' that night. Alas! He couldn't repeat the heroics against the young fast legs of one, Kylian Mbappe. 3 of the four french goals had Mbappe's hand. Or should I say, his feet. France's performance was ruthless against the men from South America. They had another match against a team from the same continent in the Quarterfinals, Uruguay. 

Muslera or Karius?
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Unlike 'La Albiceleste', 'La Celeste' were having their best World Cup yet. But they had their Hero from the last round, Edinson Cavani absent for the crucial encounter. His double against Portugal ensured Cristiano Ronaldo will have to wait another 4 years to pursue his World Cup dream. Cavani's absence meant Godin's men would need a stupendous effort against Didier Deschamp's men. Two kicks from Antoine Greizman, one headed in by Madrid's Rafael Varane and another parried into his own net by Fernando Muslera, were enough to see the French through to their first semi-final since 1998.

Japan's Annihilation & De Bruyne's scorcher:

The last kick of the match- Japan Out!
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Asia's last hope, Japan were up by 2 goals against the high flying Belgian side. But, the Red Devils had other plans. Vertonghen started the process in the 69th minute, Maraune Fellaini's head ensured an equalizer in the 74th minute. Extra time was inevitable when Japan had a bout of heroism and deployed their entire squad for the killer move. Alas! A fast counter-attack culminated in a Nacer Chadli winner for Roberto Martinez and his men. 

The De Bruyne 'Missile'
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Brazil and Neymar were the two big names left at the Quarterfinal stage. Both names were wiped out by Belgium's pragmatic approach. Neymar and his theatrics were enough to overcome the Mexican challenge at the Samara Arena. They were then foiled by Kevin De Bruyne's magical strike from outside the box. Russia's Kazan Arena witnessing the last sojourn of the talented Brazilian side. 

Saint Petersburg will witness a colorful clash between the 'Blues' and the 'Reds' from Europe on June 10th. 

Croatia, Russia and plenty of Penalties:

Another Penalty Shootout- Another Victory
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Luka Modric had the chance to seal a 2-1 victory for the Croatians. With the entire world at his feet, the Real Madrid playmaker placed his shot into the doting arms of Kasper Schmeichel. A proud Peter watching his son save millions of Danish hopes and taking the match into Extra time. Penalties ensued. Schmeichel couldn't replicate his efforts in the shootout and was outplayed by one, Daniejl Subasic of Croatia, who save 3 penalties, a joint World Cup record. The Croats winning 3-2 on penalties.

The Modric 'Talisman'
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Russia, on the other hand had the Spanish Goliath facing them at the Luzhniki stadium. The team from Spain marred by the controversial sacking of their talisman, coach Julen Lopetegui, couldn't progress beyond the round of 16. Igor Akinfeev saved Iago Aspas's penalty shocking the champions from the 2010 World Cup. Their Quarterfinal against Croatia would be another cracker of an encounter. The match tied at 1-1 progressed to extra time where Domagoj Vida placed the croatian side ahead only to be equalized by a last minute Fernandez header. An injured Subacic, again using his golden gloves to take the Croatians to the Semi-finals. A feat achieved by the legendary batch of 1998 when they faced France in France.

It's coming home: England Fans:

Pickford with the PICK of his many saves
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David Seaman, David James, Paul Robinson and Joe Hart. Add Jordan Pickford to the list of legendary English Goalkeepers. The 6 foot 1 inch giant ensured the Swedish strikers couldn't breach his defense in the Quarter finals. The young custodian pulled one save after another to ensure the English side made it into the semifinals on Wednesday. A few days before, Pickford's Penalty Shootout saves against a passionate Colombian side won England, its first ever shootout at the World Cups. 

England, the home of Football since long haven't tasted success at the World Cup since 1966. They were dismantled by the legendary Brazilians in 2002, shot-out by the Portuguese in 2006, robbed by the Germans in 2010 (Goal Line Technology, where were you?) and left humbled at the Group stage in 2014. 2018 Semifinals will give the young men led by Gareth Southgate, an opportunity at the Holy grail of Football. With the talent and passion at his disposal, the Russian World Cup is a Golden opportunity.

They Believe, England Believes
Credit:Google.com

Croatia vs England at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow to follow on Wednesday,11th June.

2018 Russian World Cup has been a delight till date. With 4 matches remaining, we are all set for the finish of a lifetime.

From India, in Russian, "Dasvidaniya" .

P.S: The words are mine, the pictures aren't :) !!