This Has Been The World Cup Of Getting Cracked In The Face

For many, the only redeeming quality of Belgium’s match against England Thursday was striker Michy Batshuayi celebrating Adnan Januzaj’s fine goal by cracking a thunder punt off the post and back into his own face. 

It was a thrilling bit of play in a match that was otherwise dominated by the tree known as Marouane Fellaini. 

That feeling when you win Group G pic.twitter.com/7opfPb2doy

— Conman Fleming (@ConmanFleming) June 28, 2018

Batshuayi’s effort set the bar high, especially so since it was entirely self-inflicted. However, during today’s Round of 16 clash between Croatia and Denmark, Danish defender Andreas Christensen also got cracked in the face. It’s another monumental case of ball straight to face. 

Although Christensen knew nothing about it, his effort is much more pivotal — it acted as the assist on Mario Mandzukic’s equalizer in the fourth minute. (Yes, Mathias Jorgensen opened the scoring for Denmark only 57 seconds into the match.)

#MundialTelemundo ¡Vaya "asistencia" ! para el gol de @MarioMandzukic9 para el empate de #CRO sobre #DEN pic.twitter.com/IT53ATYwNn

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 1, 2018

#MundialTelemundo @MarioMandzukic9 aparece y le da el empate para #CRO ante #DEN pic.twitter.com/h0SkMkWF6l

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 1, 2018

This World Cup has been all about own goals, penalties and getting cracked in the face. That’s why they call it the beautiful game.