Best Goals and Saves World Cup 2018
Let me start with my favorite goals.
Ok, this should be quite funny. It’s also hard to pick. But ironically there are 2 goals on my top 5 lists related to Germany and how surprising this tournament is. Ha-ha.
And I got to say it upfront, I’m not a big fan of long range goal. But there is one long range goal on my top five list.
Number 5. Son Heung Min goal vs Germany on the group stage.
I regret I didn’t manage to fully watch this game. But the goal really tells a story of Germany’s desperation and South Korea’s fighting spirit. Lots of people including me asking, what on earth Neuer do out there? Ha-ha. It’s sad because he was the joy to watch on 2014 World Cup.
Ju Se Jong deserves a recognition for his ball-winning from Neuer and the beautiful pass. He-he.
A historical goal for both South Korea and Germany. At least a sweet goodbye for them in this World Cup. And a humiliating farewell from Germany.
Number 4. Denis Cheryshev goal vs Croatia.
This is my kind of long range goal. Slicing the midfielder, a one-two with Dzyuba, and a striking shot. The best defender in the world (aka Lovren), can do nothing to block the great shot.
Number 3. Nacer Chadli goal vs Japan.
94th minute. Quick counter attack from defend-corner situation. What a drama. It’s a sad moment for Japan. But again, that was an awesome counter attack by Belgium. Point for Lukaku’s no-ball movement to screw Japan’s defense. (Still sad Japan got to lose that way).
Corner — Courtois — De Bruyne runs— Meunier — Chadli.
Number 2. Benjamin Pavard goal vs Argentina.
Actually this match might be the best match of this tournament. France was lost at 1–2 position and looking for a goal to make it draw. Matuidi through pass to the left for Hernandez and then Hernandez cross into penalty box without anybody receiving it, the balls continue going right outside penalty box while Pavard beautifully curve the ball with his outside right foot to the corner of the goal. What a beauty.
Number 1. Hirving Lozano goal vs Germany.
It’s a bit funny that the title defender, Germany, to be part of my favourite goals in this tournament. Ha-ha. But take time to take a look on this goal.
Herrera pushed Khedira and manage to steal the ball, Moreno quickly send the ball to Hernandez that smartly did a one-two with Guardado to get away from Hummels. Hernandez continue calmly send a through pass to the left and Lozano with confidence put few touches to trick Ozil (don’t how come only Ozil marking Lozano) and then strikes the ball on Neuer right low corner of the goal.
Take also a moment to realize that his goal is suspect of artificial earthquake in his homecountry, Mexico.
I’m still wondering why this goal is not even on official FIFA’s nominee. Ha-ha.
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That’s all for the goals.
Now the saves also deserve some recognition.
My Favorite Saves.
Number 5. Schmeichel saves penalty vs Croatia on extra time.
But that night gonna be sad for Schmeichel because Denmark lost in the penalty shootout.
Number 4. Courtois denied Neymar’s last chance.
Neymar is cancelled officially in this game. Enough said. He-he.
Number 3. Jordan Pickford vs Colombia.
My pick for my best XI, Jordan Pickford. What a game from him vs Colombia. It’s coming home. He blocked a long range shot on 90th minute. Even if the corner kick ended up a goal by Yerry Mina, Pickford showed to the public that he deserves to be Southgate’s best choice as goalkeeper during the penalty shoot-out.
Number 2. Lloris denied Caceres header continued with clean-sheet vs Uruguay.
Probably Lloris best performance throughout the tournament. Set piece is one of tricky part of this tournament, and Lloris saved the path for France to the semi-final in an awesome way.
Number 1. Halldorsson denied Messi’s penalty and Pavon’s long range shot
“A contest of contrast.” — the commentator said.
I love the heroic act by Iceland in this game. Still, Ronaldo and Messi world star status means nothing against Iceland.
The fact that Halldorsson is also a filmmaker never cease to amaze me.
Ha-ha.
Making our own favorite or list is fun.
Thank you football.
