FIFA World Cup 2018: Captain ‘Fantastics’ Of The Tournament

FIFA World Cup 2018 has only four games left, and it has arguably been the best tournament in the recent memory. There have been surprises, jaw-dropping performances and the craziest of results along the way.

Few were consistent with their efforts, and somehow they were led by someone who has also performed exceptionally.

So here is a list of the captains that have been sensational in this tournament.

1. Harry Kane

The Englishman is only 24-years-old and playing his first World Cup. Along with being the lynchpin for his team, he also is the highest goal-scorer in the tournament.

Kane has proven his critics wrong time and again throughout his career and once again showcased why he is a world-class striker.

The last time England entered the semi-final of the World Cup was in 1990. They had to wait for 28 years, even had to withstand the so-called ‘golden generation’ underperform. Now they have these young lions led by someone who doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘complacent’.

Country: England

Goals in Tournament: 6

Age: 24

2. Luka Modric

The Real Madrid man has been regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world for a while now. It was only a matter of time that he would replicate the club form for his country.

He has the support of Ivan Rakitic and others, but whenever Croatia has been in trouble in the tournament and needed something extra, it was their captain who initiated things.

It has been a while since Croatia delivered on the international front, and this team led by a gladiator-like Modric has all the ingredients to do great.

Country: Croatia

Goals in Tournament: 2

Age: 32

3. Eden Hazard

The talks of Belgium’s golden generation to bear fruits in the future began in the early 2010s. The prospects were there, and the question was whether they will be able to deliver or not.

One of those, and arguably the most famous as well at the time in that list of young players was Eden Hazard.

Currently the captain of The Red Devils, and already established as a world-class attacker who has won a plethora of trophies, Hazard is only 27-years of age.

The Chelsea winger showed his character against Japan when the team was down 2-0 in the second-half. He didn’t even for a second let his players believe that defeat was inevitable and ran around like a man possessed to complete a dream comeback.

If Eden Hazard keeps this momentum up, expect Belgium to produce more magical moments.

Country: Belgium

Goals in Tournament: 2

Age: 27

4. Andres Granqvist

When Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from international football, Sweden’s relevancy for future tournaments was questioned. It was wondered if the team will have the energy or the drive to even make it to the World Cup.

Not only did the knock-out Italy on their way to the tournament, they also were the ones who caused ousting of defending champions Germany from the group stage.

One of the main reasons for this ascendancy of Sweden has been the grit their captain Granqvist has shown. It was as if Ibrahimovic’s absence was even felt, as the team played together as a unit.

As a defender, he scored two important penalties and didn’t let his keeper get tested often.

His stock has increased for an inspired performance in the tournament, and him leading his country to an unthinkable Quarter-final appearance has been lauded by everyone.

Country: Sweden

Goals in Tournament: 2

Age: 33

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

One of the best players in the tournament started his campaign with a flier, with a breathtaking hat-trick against Spain. He followed that with the winning goal against Morocco.

Even though the team didn’t any game since that point, and he didn’t score goals as well, his presence on the pitch for the team was enough for them to push through.

They did crash out of the World Cup in the Round of 16, but the team’s progression even to that point would be in question had it not been for Ronaldo.

Country: Portugal

Goals in Tournament: 4

Age: 33