Neymar looked foolish, De Gea seemed distracted, and Messi, Muller, and Lewandowski scored only one goal among them.
The World Cup is often about bumping up a price tag, boasting a reputation, or even making a legacy. But it can have opposite results, too.
Here are five superstars who did nothing to enhance their respective reputations during World Cup ’18.
#5 Neymar Jr.: While Neymar actually had several good games during Brazil’s World Cup campaign, the 2018 edition of football’s biggest competition saw the Paris St-Germain forward tarnish his image. Neymar scored just two goals in five matches. Instead of scoring at an exceptional pace, Neymar took play-acting and diving to a new and ridiculous level.
#4 David De Gea: David De Gea is viewed by many as the world’s best goalkeeper–known for consistency, athleticism, and pulling off saves. But De Gea rarely looked comfortable during World Cup ’18. Spain was ultimately knocked out by host-nation Russia in the last 16, and there was talk that De Gea might be dropped for that game. He did start but played like a shadow of his usual self.
#3 Lionel Messi: The Legend didn’t produce. Argentina were knocked out by France in the Round of 16. Messi had a poor World Cup, scoring just one goal in four matches. He failed (again) to achieve his biggest dream–bringing home the trophy. The big question now is whether he’ll give it another try in ’22.
Courtesy: Sporting News
#2 Thomas Muller: Germany was the prohibitive favorite to win the Cup. One reason was FC Bayern forward Thomas Muller. But Muller had a poor World Cup (he didn’t score a single goal) and Germany made an embarrassing exit from the tournament, beaten by lowly South Korea. Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos was the only German who could hold head high.
#1 Robert Lewandowski: The FC Bayern striker went into the tournament with high expectations but exited in disappointment. What a shock it was, too. In ten qualifying games, Lewandowski scored 16 goals! But he had none–that’s right, zero–in the tournament, failing to score against mediocre competition (Senegal, Colombia, and Japan). All the while, Lewandowski looked disinterested, seemingly going through the motions of play. With the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea looking to sign him for next season, Lewandowski’s performance may keep him in Munich.
