Playing for 90
Fansided

Three underdogs who have impressed at the World Cup

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 19: Senegal players acknowledge the fans during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Poland and Senegal at Spartak Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 19: Senegal players acknowledge the fans during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Poland and Senegal at Spartak Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

1. Russia

Hosting the event and great performances seal Russian Football’s place on the main stage. First of all, winning your opening two matches by scoring eight, earns the world’s attention.

Incredibly players like Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin replaced underperforming superstars like Thomas Muller, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski in football fans’ minds.

Yet, in their final group match, Russia capitulated. Well at least their form did. Twice champions Uruguay convincingly beat the 10-man Russians 3-0.

Although, Sbornaya – as the hosts are known – rested multiple players for the match. This is because they have qualified. Possibly a mistake in regards to momentum.

If you assess it an error, you are probably correct. Consequently they drew enigmatic Spain unfavourably, in the Round of 16.

However, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo were the other option. A true definition of being in between a ‘rock and a hard place.’ Regardless, expect their FIFA rank of 70 to reduce by two thirds post finals.

Style switch

But how did Russia get to such a dignified footballing position? A combination of fiscal investment and ultimately developing excellent youth.

A rise in popularity always helps underdogs to consolidate their attributes. Progressing for a debut (since USSR) at the knockout stages will rapidly increase the country’s interest and remove their status as underdogs.

Head coach Stanislav Cherchesov played for Russia in his youth. Having that bond and connection with the squad helps infinitely with morale and conveying instructions.

Radically, he changed formation leading up to the finals. Scrapping the attack minded 3-5-2, which led to a leaky defence: implementing a 4-4-3.

Described as having the ‘will and spirit to succeed’; he vowed to do his work with ‘dignity and a smile‘. Emphasising balance in order to make his team competitive and successful. That seems to be working. However next round, Spain will triumph against the underdogs.

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