The 2018 World Cup has served up plenty of goals, including a number of spectacular ones. Here, we take a look at five standout strikes in Russia.
1. Nacer Chadli (Belgium 3-2 Japan, round of 16, July 2, Rostov-on-Don)
Belgium completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down when Chadli tapped in following a ruthless stoppage-time counter-attack. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois released Kevin De Bruyne following a Japan corner, he then played the ball wide to Thomas Meunier and, after a clever step over from Romelu Lukaku, Chadli was on hand to add the finishing touch.
2. Benjamin Pavard (France 4-3 Argentina, round of 16, June 30, Kazan)
LA PATATE 😍💥🇫🇷 @BenPavard28 @equipedefrance #fiersdetrebleus pic.twitter.com/nSP3qnLhse
— Benjamin Mendy (@benmendy23) June 30, 2018
The 22-year-old full-back levelled for Les Bleus in spectacular fashion, fizzing a half-volley into the top left corner from the right corner of the penalty area to claim his first international goal after Lucas Hernandez’s cross from the opposite wing evaded everyone in the middle.
3. Lionel Messi (Argentina v Nigeria, Group D, June 26, St Petersburg)
Bearing some similarities to Dennis Bergkamp’s memorable strike for Holland against Argentina at France ’98, Messi killed Ever Banega’s angled pass on his thigh before instantly taking the ball away from Kenneth Omeruo with a superb second touch and then finishing emphatically.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal 3-3 Spain, Group B, June 15, Sochi)
Muita fé, muito coração e vontade até ao fim! #ConquistaOSonho
Plenty of faith, lots of heart and will power all the way to the final whistle! #ConquerYourDream pic.twitter.com/XMrKjO2pKe
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 15, 2018
In arguably the game of the tournament, Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with two minutes remaining to snatch a point for Portugal by bending the ball in to the top right corner from a 25-yard free-kick which left David De Gea rooted to the spot.
5. Denis Cheryshev (Russia 2-2 Croatia, 3-4 penalties), quarter-final, July 7, Sochi)
Having collected the ball close to the centre circle, the Villarreal forward went past Croatia’s Ivan Rakitic, played a one-two with Artem Dzyuba, and then unleashed a dipping left-footed strike into the top left corner from 25 yards for his fourth goal of the tournament.
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