FIFA World Cup 2018: Superstars who had a disastrous campaign
What's the story
The world's most biggest spectacle- the FIFA World Cup gives a platform to some unknown faces, who take the world by storm in each edition. On the other hand, superstars too stake claim and try to perform to their abilities. But that doesn't happen every time. We often see big names misfiring in the coveted event. Which superstars flopped at FIFA World Cup 2018?
Neymar
Neymar- Brazil
The Brazilian was expected to live up to the billing for the 5-time winners. Neymar was fantastic in the World Cup four years back, but this time around he couldn't deliver. The Paris Saint-Germain player was criticized heavily for his on-field antics especially playacting and looking to maximize from fouls. Two goals to his name, Neymar and Brazil were ousted in the quarters.
Muller
Thomas Muller - Germany
Muller is Germany's big match player and he had given a stellar account of himself in 2010 and 2014 editions. But this term, the versatile forward looked like a shadow of himself. He failed to score a goal despite hitting a combined 10 in the last two events. He completed 3 crosses from an attempted 15 and had 0 attempts on target.
Custodian
David de Gea - Spain
Considered as the best goal-keeper in the world, David de Gea was supposed to light up Spain's campaign in Russia. But since the side's opening match, he couldn't thrive. He committed a howler to let in Ronaldo's second of the night. Against Morocco as well, he let a ball go in through his legs. He made a solitary save and let in 6 goals.
Striker
Robert Lewandowski - Poland
The Bayern Munich star was his side's main man to create the buzz and score goals at will. But the Polish striker did not have any say, which left their campaign in disarray. He failed to score in any of Poland's three matches after hitting 16 in the Qualifiers. He had nine attempts with only 3 on target.
Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain - Argentina
Higuain was electric for Juventus all season and was expected to contribute for Argentina as well. Selected to do the job ahead of Sergio Aguero against Croatia and Nigeria, the Juventus forward threw it away. In three matches, he had just three attempts with two meek shots on target. He even missed a glorious chance against Nigeria and was dropped from the quarters tie.