Belgium Takes Care of England to Finish Bronze for First Time

Photo Credited by Getty Images

By: Alexander Olman Vega

Belgium have secured third place in this years World Cup 2018 in Russia. Even though they were favorites to win the tournament after a great display of dominance against Brazil. Belgium were defeated by a very strong and talented young French team. France will face Croatia in tomorrow’s final.

 

Although England had more possession, they were ineffective in front of goal. Many of their shots were not on target. Belgium were more clinical with their chances as they ended up netting 2  goals against the Lions. In the 4^th minute an early cross by Chadli finds a bursting Meunier who finishes the ball in the net inside the box. England tied to comeback but they didn’t have the killer instinct in front of goal, all their chances were wasted or blocked by the strong Belgium defense. In the 82^nd minute Kevin De Bruyne finds Eden Hazard who accelerates leaving England defenders behind in the dust. Hazard coolly finds a corner in the net to make it 2 – 0 Belgium.

They later kept Brazil at bay dominating in the air by wining the 50/50 balls and counter attacking Brazil on the wings. Brazil looked like they never faced a powerful team like this and didn’t begin to threaten Belgium at all until later in the second half. Brazil managed to score in the last 10 minutes but the damage was already done as Belgium scored the two early goals leaving Brazil with no hope to break the strong Belgium wall. Even with the loss to France, Belgium can hold their heads up high as they did excellent in this year’s tournament. The Golden Generation really showed strength, courage, and leadership in their final game against England. Once named a Dark Horse team that can sometimes surprise you, they will now be a Team to be feared when playing against. The future looks bright for Belgium; I expect we will see more of their expertise and dominating play.

France Reaches World Cup Final After 1-0 Victory Over Belgium

Photo Credited by picture alliance/Getty Images

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

France defeats Belgium to reach the WC final for the first time since 2006.

FC Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti headed in the winner past Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois.

Belgium wasn’t the same team against France as they were unable to breakthrough the French defense.

Hugo Lloris made some incredible saves against Belgium to keep the clean sheet.

France will take on the winner of the Croatia/England match on Sunday, while Belgium will take on the loser for the Third Place match.

Top 10 2018 World Cup Kits

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

With the World Cup near its completion, I’ve decided to rank the top 10 best kits from this World Cup. It was tough because each kit was fantastic but here are my top 10.

 

10. Senegal Away Kit

Photo Credited by tursissoccer.com

This jersey was one of my favorites. This jersey represents what Senegal is all about. Passion, strength and speed. Puma did a wonderful job showing that into this jersey. Unfortunately Senegal didn’t qualify into the knockout stages, but their jersey have left a special impact for me.

 

9. Egypt Away Kit

Photo Credited by Soccer World FC

This jersey is simple but elegant. Egypt’s home kit is just as nice but the white one does wonders for me. I do love the color white on jersey but this one with the black three stripes from Adidas, makes it wonderful.

 

8. Iceland Home Kit

Photo Credited by Errea USA

This is how you present yourself on your first ever appearance of the World Cup. Iceland’s whole World Cup kits could make the list but the blue (Home) kit is one of my favorites. The red and white on the sleeves is so unique and it works wonderfully. It represents what Iceland is all about.

 

7. Costa Rica Away Kit

Photo Credited by U90 Soccer

I absolutely hated this kit at first. But it grew on me big time. It looks very elegant and classy. The gold trim on the side of the sleeves make this kit a all time great. New Balance did a great job with this kit.

 

6. France Home Kit

Photo Credited by WeGotSoccer

This is a wonderful kit. I have a soft spot for France. Always considered them a favorite of mine. This kit wonderfully represents the elegance of the French side. I love this jersey very much.

 

5. Argentina Away Kit

Photo Credited by Soccer Express

A very unique kit since Argentina hasn’t wore black since 2009, but it is a very successful change. This kit is wonderful. It has the Argentinean flag colors on the sides with the white three stripes. Yep, Adidas did Argentina very right.

 

4. Colombia Home Kit

Photo Credited by Sports Direct

Colombia had a lot of success with Adidas. This one might be their best kit yet. Such a bright ad vibrant kit. Represents what Colombia is all about. Passion, excitement and fun!

 

3. Japan Home Kit

Photo Credited by Soccer Pro

This is one of my favorite kits ever! This reminds me of what Samurai robes would look like. I absolutely adore this kit. The away kit is underrated as well but the home kit is stunning.

 

2. Spain Home Kit

Photo Credited by Soccer Garage

This is elegance and boldness at its best. It is vintage Spain. The red is bright and bold but the zig zag designs on the side makes this kit a all time classic.

 

1. Nigeria Home Kit

Photo Credited by Sports Check

What can I say about this kit? It is a bold move from Nike to create a design like this. It is the most high demanded jersey ever in a World Cup. It sold out in hours. One of my favorite kits ever. You can wear it out or even to play. It’s just that awesome.

France and Denmark Draws to Allow Both Teams to Advance

Photo Credited by Getty Images

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

France and Denmark traded blows in a intense defensive affair. Denmark needs only a draw or win to advance to the knockout and eliminate a pesky Australia.

France played with most of their subs as starters with their safety already. A win or draw will give France the top spot of Group C.

The game ended goalless but Denmark and France advanced after Peru’s 2-0 victory over Australia.

 

 

Portugal Advances but Brave Iran Nearly Comes Away With the Upset

Photo Credited by Getty Images

By: Leonardo Rodriguez

Portugal and Iran are battling for a spot for the next round. It was terrific match between two hard working sides.

Portugal took the lead right near the end of first half. Ricardo Quaresma was able to pull a vintage Quaresma strike. He is known to score fantastic goals from outside his boot. It is definitely one of the best goals of the World Cup so far.

Portugal was awarded a PK near the middle of the second half after a hard challenge to Cristiano Ronaldo from the Iranian defender. The referee took another look at it with VAR and gave it a PK. Ronaldo stepped in and missed the PK. His first missed PK in some time now.

Ronaldo nearly was sent off after a hard hit on the face of Iran’s Morteza Pouraliganji when the referee took a look at it with VAR only to give CR7 a yellow card.

Iran finally got a breakthrough with a penalty call against Cedric Soares. Cedric touched the ball with arm and the ref once again took a look at it with VAR. Awarded the PK to the Iranians. Karim Ansarifard took the PK and blasts it past Rui Patricio for the 1-1 draw.

Iran needed a victory but were close to pulling it off. Portugal advances but will take on Group A Winners Uruguay on Saturday in the Round of 16.