FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia
The 2018 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Russia, was a vibrant and unpredictable tournament. It was the first World Cup to utilize the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which played a significant role in several key matches. The tournament was a stage for surprising upsets, thrilling comebacks, and the triumph of a young, dynamic French team, led by a new generation of superstars.
Group Stage
Group A
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Uruguay |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 9 |
 Russia |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 6 |
 Saudi Arabia |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 3 |
 Egypt |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 0 |
Match Results
- Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia
- Egypt 0-1 Uruguay
- Russia 3-1 Egypt
- Uruguay 1-0 Saudi Arabia
- Uruguay 3-0 Russia
- Saudi Arabia 2-1 Egypt
The host nation, Russia, got off to a dream start with two commanding wins. Their impressive performance, however, was tested by Uruguay, who topped the group with a perfect record. Egypt, despite having Mohamed Salah, failed to register a single point.
Group B
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spain |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 5 |
 Portugal |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 5 |
 Iran |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
 Morocco |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 1 |
Match Results
- Morocco 0-1 Iran
- Portugal 3-3 Spain
- Portugal 1-0 Morocco
- Iran 0-1 Spain
- Iran 1-1 Portugal
- Spain 2-2 Morocco
The group’s opening match between Portugal and Spain was a classic, featuring a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick, including a spectacular late free-kick. This result set the tone for a thrilling group stage battle where both European giants barely scraped by to qualify, with a resilient Iran side finishing just one point behind.
Group C
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 France |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 7 |
 Denmark |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 5 |
 Peru |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
 Australia |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
Match Results
- France 2-1 Australia
- Peru 0-1 Denmark
- Denmark 1-1 Australia
- France 1-0 Peru
- Denmark 0-0 France
- Australia 0-2 Peru
France topped the group with a solid but unspectacular performance, including a goalless draw with Denmark, the only one of the tournament. Peru, despite losing their first two matches, delighted their fans with their spirited play and a win in their final match against Australia.
Group D
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Croatia |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
 Argentina |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 |
 Nigeria |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
 Iceland |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
Match Results
- Argentina 1-1 Iceland
- Croatia 2-0 Nigeria
- Argentina 0-3 Croatia
- Nigeria 2-0 Iceland
- Nigeria 1-2 Argentina
- Iceland 1-2 Croatia
Croatia was the surprise of this group, dominating all three matches, including a masterful 3-0 victory over a disheveled Argentina. The Argentine team, on the brink of elimination, was saved by a dramatic late winner from Marcos Rojo against Nigeria, a goal that secured their passage to the knockout stage.
Group E
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Brazil |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 7 |
 Switzerland |
3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 5 |
 Serbia |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
 Costa Rica |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
Match Results
- Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia
- Brazil 1-1 Switzerland
- Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
- Serbia 1-2 Switzerland
- Serbia 0-2 Brazil
- Switzerland 2-2 Costa Rica
Brazil, one of the tournament favorites, had to work hard to top their group, especially after a disappointing draw against a disciplined Swiss side. Switzerland’s late comeback against Serbia was crucial in securing their spot in the next round, as they finished a point ahead of the Serbs.
Group F
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sweden |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
 Mexico |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 6 |
 South Korea |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
 Germany |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
Match Results
- Germany 0-1 Mexico
- Sweden 1-0 South Korea
- South Korea 1-2 Mexico
- Germany 2-1 Sweden
- South Korea 2-0 Germany
- Mexico 0-3 Sweden
This group provided one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history. The reigning champions Germany were eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1938. Their stunning 2-0 loss to South Korea, combined with Sweden’s comfortable win over Mexico, sent the four-time champions home.
Group G
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Belgium |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 9 |
 England |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 6 |
 Tunisia |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 3 |
 Panama |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 11 | -9 | 0 |
Match Results
- Belgium 3-0 Panama
- Tunisia 1-2 England
- Belgium 5-2 Tunisia
- England 6-1 Panama
- Panama 1-2 Tunisia
- England 0-1 Belgium
This group was a goal-fest. Belgium and England, with their attacking prowess, easily qualified, setting up an intriguing final group match between them. Panama, in their first World Cup, celebrated their historic first-ever goal, despite heavy defeats.
Group H
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Colombia |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 |
 Japan |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
 Senegal |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
 Poland |
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
Match Results
- Colombia 1-2 Japan
- Poland 1-2 Senegal
- Japan 2-2 Senegal
- Poland 0-3 Colombia
- Senegal 0-1 Colombia
- Japan 0-1 Poland
This group provided a historic moment as Japan qualified for the knockout stage based on the fair play rule, a new tie-breaker system. They finished with the same points and goal difference as Senegal, but had fewer yellow cards, a truly unique situation that highlighted the new rules.
Knockout Stage
Round of 16
▸
France 4-3 Argentina
Uruguay 2-1 Portugal
Spain 1-1 Russia (Russia wins 4-3 on penalties)
Croatia 1-1 Denmark (Croatia wins 3-2 on penalties)
Brazil 2-0 Mexico
Belgium 3-2 Japan
Sweden 1-0 Switzerland
Colombia 1-1 England (England wins 4-3 on penalties)
The Round of 16 was one of the most exciting knockout stages ever. France’s win over Argentina, featuring a stunning goal by Benjamin Pavard and a brace from Kylian Mbappé, was a classic. The hosts, Russia, continued their incredible run by eliminating Spain on penalties. Belgium’s incredible comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Japan in the final seconds was pure drama. England’s victory over Colombia on penalties was a historic moment, as it was their first-ever World Cup shootout win.
Quarter-finals
▸
Uruguay 0-2 France
Brazil 1-2 Belgium
Sweden 0-2 England
Russia 2-2 Croatia (Croatia wins 4-3 on penalties)
The quarterfinals saw a number of high-profile teams eliminated. Belgium’s golden generation finally lived up to its potential with a stunning win over five-time champions Brazil. England’s professional 2-0 win over Sweden sent them to their first semi-final since 1990. The host nation’s Cinderella run ended in a thrilling penalty shootout loss to a resilient Croatian side.
Semi-finals
▸
France 1-0 Belgium
Croatia 2-1 England (after extra time)
Both semi-finals were tense and tactical affairs. France’s victory over Belgium was secured by a single Samuel Umtiti header. Croatia’s remarkable run continued with a dramatic extra-time win over England, a team that many believed was destined for the final. Mario Mandžukić’s late goal sealed their place in the final, a historic first for the nation.
Third Place Play-off
▸
Match: Belgium vs. England
Result: Belgium 2-0 England
Belgium secured their best-ever World Cup finish with a comfortable win over England. The match was a demonstration of Belgium’s attacking talent and provided a fitting conclusion to their successful campaign.
Final
▸
Match: France vs. Croatia
Result: France 4-2 Croatia
The final was a high-scoring and thrilling end to the tournament. France, with their blend of attacking talent and defensive solidity, outlasted a tired but determined Croatian side. The match featured the first-ever VAR-awarded penalty in a World Cup final, as well as a memorable goal from Kylian Mbappé. France’s win marked their second World Cup title, and the young team’s triumph was a statement of their dominance for years to come.