The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked-off last June 14 as Russia, the host country for the entire tournament, defeated Saudi Arabia by recording a 5-0 victory. The hype for football’s biggest international tournament lived up to expectations as the goals and last-minute drama thrilled fans all over the world.
The spectacle ended on July 15 after France held off Croatia, 4-2, to clinch their second ever World Cup triumph. French wonderkid, Kylian Mbappé bagged the Best Young Player award while Croatian midfielder and team captain, Luka Modrić, earned the Best Player of the tournament accolade.
With the World Cup fever now over, The LaSallian caught up with a few Green-and-White athletes to ask them what stood out the most in the recently concluded tournament.
Tashka Lacson, Women’s Football Team, goalkeeper
“When Kante was shy to ask to hold the World Cup trophy when France won. It showed that even in the spotlight of victory, one could still be as humble as he is.”
Gyan De Vera, Men’s Football Team, defender
“My favorite World Cup moment would be England reaching the semi-final. As a Manchester United fan, naturally I would support England. A lot of people actually counted them out due to their bad history in international tournaments. Also, as one of the youngest teams in the tournament, they surprised a lot of people and made their whole nation believe that football was coming home. It was an inspiring run and showed that anything can really happen in football.”
Pam Concepcion, Lady Batters
“My favorite World Cup moment is when all my teams lost. Bet ko yung lahat ng powerhouse na-eliminate. #bilogangbolamoments”
Gio Martinez, LSDC-Street
“Pwede ba moments? Like all the super teams getting knocked-out and the underdogs advancing. We all love underdogs.”
Jiggy Taccad, Dragon Boat Team, captain
“My favorite moment was when Mbappé joined Pelé as the only teenager who scored in the World Cup finals.”
