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4 juillet 2018
World Cup 2018 : Alisson the clean sheet machine, Pickford is England’s penalty hero
The World Cup 2018 takes place from 14th June to 15th July. It should be noted that 81 players who took part in the Maurice Revello Tournament compete in the World Cup. Throughout the competition, we will take look at their performances !
Brazil-Mexico : 2-0
By beating « El Tri », the Brazilian national team reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the seventh time in a row. The Maurice Revello Tournament 2013 winner Alisson played a key role as he kept a third successive clean sheet in this World Cup.
It should be noted that the clash against Mexico was the opportunity for Filipe Luis to start a World Cup game for the first time ever.
Belgium-Japan : 3-2
Football is sometimes cruel. The Japanase players boasted a 2-0 lead until the 69th minute and were close to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Unfortunately for the Asians, Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco and Les Diables Rouges came from behind as they netted three goals including one during the injury time.
Sweden-Switzerland : 1-0
Absent from the last two editions, the Swedish national team marked its return to the World Cup in style : thanks to their win over Switzerland, the Scandinavians are qualified for the quarter finals for the first time in 24 years !
Obviously, Andreas Granqvist was solid defensively once again. At 33, the Sweden captain seems to be at the peak of his career.
Colombia-England : 1-1 (3-4 pen)
Winning the Maurice Revello Tournament 2016 and becoming two years later the England’s hero at the World Cup : here is the story of Jordan Pickford. The Everton keeper made a fantastic save during the penalty shootout against Los Cafeteros and helped the Three Lions to advance to the next round.
Beyond the qualification, this victory is as well symbolic : this is the England's first ever World Cup penalty shootout win. Before this edition, they have always lost (1990, 1998 and 2006).
Except Pickford, another Toulon Tournament former player made the headlines : Eric Dier who scored the winning penalty !
