Former Russian national team midfielder Shirokov shared his perspective on the Brazilian side, weighing in on what shaped their World Cup run. He commented that Brazil clearly stands out as the strongest squad in the tournament, noting that their mental strength is second to none. Yet, like many great teams, they faced a moment of self-inflicted trouble that hindered their progress. He observed that internal missteps sometimes unsettle even the best teams, a reminder that focus off the ball matters almost as much as skill on it.
During the quarterfinals, Brazil encountered a tough test against Croatia, ultimately falling to a penalty shootout that decided the tie. The clash underscored how high the level of competition was and how narrow the margins can be at the business end of the World Cup. It was a reminder that even highly favored teams must execute precisely to advance, especially in the knockout rounds where a single moment can tilt the balance.
In the culmination of the tournament, Argentina emerged as the champions after a dramatic final against France. The match finished 2-2 after regulation and extra time, with Argentina gaining the edge in the decisive shootout by a margin of 4-2. The drama of the final underscored the unpredictable nature of football at the highest level, where resilience and nerves of steel often determine the outcome in penalties and beyond.
Yuri Semin, the former coach of Moscow’s Lokomotiv, offered his reflections on the teams that performed below expectations at the World Cup. He expressed disappointment with the showing of several clubs and suggested that not everyone delivered as hoped. He highlighted certain sides as failing to reach the playoff stage, prompting fans and critics to reassess what needed to change for teams to compete at the top level in future tournaments.
The veteran coach emphasized that a handful of dark horses and traditional powers faced scrutiny for their lack of progress. He pointed out that the event laid bare gaps in preparation, tactics, and execution among those teams. His assessment urged clubs to analyze their approaches, balance offense with defense, and build squads that can withstand the intense pressure of knockout fixtures. The underlying message was clear: success in a World Cup relies on consistency, adaptability, and a clear, strategic plan that can survive the emotional swings of big matches.