The18 World Cup Takeover

These Biggest World Cup Upsets In 2018 So Far Warped Our Perception Of The Tournament

For all the love players like Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo receive, for all the fans of Brazil, Germany and France, there is nothing like an underdog succeeding on the world’s biggest stage. As proof, we present to you the biggest World Cup upsets in 2018. 

The appeal of the World Cup comes in a variety of flavors. There’s the excitement of watching the world’s best players go head-to-head as they compete for ultimate glory. But there’s also the joy of seeing teams from smaller, non-traditional footballing nations going up against the tournament favorites. 

You Wrestle With Sergio Ramos, You Lose Everything

You don’t grapple with Sergio Ramos. Unless you want to damage your shoulder ligaments or score a disastrous own goal in front of 80,000 of your countrymen, just stay away from the guy. He’s always a threat on set pieces — especially when the clock reads 92:48 — but he’s also a major threat with his understanding of judo.  

Heroes And Villains Of The World Cup: Matchday 16

At one point today, Gabriel Mercado’s strike was going to send Argentina through to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. There was also a point when Pepe’s header was probably going to see Portugal win on penalties. Pepe.

These were insane situations in time — brief instances that demonstrated the chaos of life and sport.

Because let’s be honest, Portugal and Argentina are pretty trash. Ronaldo and Messi should get replica trophies for dragging them this far.

Ronaldo Follows Messi Out Of World Cup Thanks To Cavani’s Master Class

Cristiano Ronaldo lasted just a few more hours than Lionel Messi at the World Cup, the world’s best No. 7 following the world’s best No. 10 out of Russia. Edinson Cavani scored two goals for Uruguay vs Portugal as La Celeste held on late for a 2-1 victory on Saturday in Sochi, Russia.

World Cup Predictions For Spain-Russia and Croatia-Denmark

The second day of the Round of 16 pits the host nation against a strong Spanish side and Croatia trying to show they are for real against Denmark. 

Here are the picks from Connor Fleming (@conmanfleming), Bryce Badwan (@bbadss) and Travis Yoesting (@travisyoesting). 

Suarez Up To Old Antics With Embarrassing Faked Head Injury

It wouldn’t be a World Cup without Luis Suarez making headlines for negative actions. In 2010 it was his hand ball to save a goal against Ghana. In 2014 it was biting Giorgio Chiellini. In 2018 against Portugal, he was caught faking a head injury, with the referee not buying it at all.

Luis Suarez combined with Edinson Cavani for the game’s first goal, which was vital in a match between two teams with defenses that can be difficult to break down. 

Suarez And Cavani Link Up On Ridiculous Cross-Field Give-And-Go To Give Uruguay The Lead

Portugal vs Uruguay. The stigma going in was a back-and-forth gritty match between two defensively minded teams. Cristiano Ronaldo would be leading the offense for Portugal and Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani would give Portugal their toughest test yet.

It didn’t take long for the Portuguese defense to be tested by Uruguay’s elite striking pair. The pair connected on a give-and-go that crossed the entire field. Edison Cavani lasered one 50 yards to Luis Suarez and then the Uruguayan talisman rifled a cross right back to El Matador for a goal vs Portugal. 

Messi Bows Out Of World Cup With Whimper, Sparking Countless Memes

This was Lionel Messi’s last real chance — his last opportunity to quiet the doubters and prove he was just as good if not better than Diego Maradona, or Cristiano Ronaldo, or god himself. Unfortunately, even the most ardent of Leo fans would have to admit the Messi World Cup performance was an abject failure.

Mbappe, Not Messi, Made Argentina-France Look Like A Game Of FIFA With Scintillating Skill, Speed

On Saturday in Kazan, Kylian Mbappe was playing a video game; everyone else was just trying to keep up. In a match full of some of the world’s best talent including the inimitable Lionel Messi, the 19-year-old PSG forward outshined all other stars in the France vs Argentina highlights. 

France Right Back Pavard Hits Absurdly Perfect Volley Against Argentina

A thrilling first half saw Argentina and France level at 1-1 thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann and Angel Di Maria. Then two right backs took over the scoring, first Gabriel Mercado and then the insanely perfect Benjamin Pavard goal vs Argentina on Saturday.

Argentina's Mercado scored more out of the fortune of being on Lionel Messi's team than anything else, turning in a shot from the No. 10 to give Argentina a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute. 

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