Heroics from Toni Kroos gave Germany their only win in this World Cup, and they inevitably had an early exit as they were thoroughly outplayed by South Korea in a final group stage match that Draxler watched from the bench. Draxler was missing in action in the second match against Sweden and was subbed at halftime. Although Draxler offered some form of creativity in attack for Die Mannschaft against Mexico, he was essentially expendable for Joachim Löw as he was part of the many German players who could create and keep possession of the ball, but never threatening in terms of actually scoring goals. Germany probably played their worst match against a counter-attacking Mexico side in the first game of the group stage, and Julian Draxler featured in the full 90 minutes. I ranked the performances of the seven PSG players that featured consistently for their countries.Įxcluded from this list are Kevin Trapp, Alphonse Areola, Presnel Kimpembe, Giovani Lo Celso, and Marquinhos due to their lack of playing time.Įarly in this World Cup we saw some of the heavy favorites go down to some relatively weaker opponents, and little did we know that it was a sign of what was to come. PSG finished tied at the top with Tottenham Hotspur for the most goals scored at the World Cup per club team with 12. They not only made their country proud but also the millions of Paris Saint-Germain supporters all over the world. Supporters of the capital club saw their players put the football world on notice, not only in the number of players selected but the individuals who massively had their footprints on every aspect of what many are calling the greatest World Cup of all time.Īs the heavy rained poured down into Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, and France captain Hugo Lloris raised that precious piece of art in the form of a trophy, I couldn’t help but spot PSG players Kylian Mbappé, Presnel Kimpembe, and Alphonse Areola in a state of euphoria as they just realized the biggest accomplishment a football player could ever achieve. Even those who are generally dismissive of PSG couldn’t logically refute this. More importantly, for a tournament orchestrated by FIFA–who are always two feet away from ignorance, corruption, and drama–the narrative never swayed from what was taking place on the pitch.Īmongst the world-class talent on display in Russia from a club perspective, Paris Saint-Germain players shined the brightest in the 2018 World Cup. This World Cup gave you excitement, athletic brilliance, and it even stirred up all forms of emotions for countries that you never thought you cared about. It was an opportunity for football purists to show off their knowledge of the beautiful game to their family and friends who casually watch the sport or only take it in ever four years. What we just witnessed was a once in a lifetime showcase of the most prestigious sporting event in the world.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |