As the decade comes to an end, let’s look back on the highlights of the soccer universe. From World Cup 2010 to World Cup 2018, we have seen some magnificent goals, games, and fans all around. In World Cup 2010, South Africa hosted the event, and wow was the atmosphere a muse. The fans, the stadiums, and some of the most highly regarded players in soccer history played for the last time here. Players like Diego Floran saw their last games in South Africa, while others like Thomas Muller got their debut in the tournament. In World Cup 2014, Rio de Janeiro hosted one of the greatest yet. Origi, Shaw, Depay and many more had made their World Cup debuts, and many made it a year to remember. Some of the most remarkable moments being Ochoa vs Brazil, Rodriguez’s volley, and can’t forget the Flying Dutch Man.
Unfortunately many players careers had come to an end after this tournament. Kolo Toure, Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo, Miroslav Klose, Phillip Lahm, and Landon Donovan had all called for retirement from international play. While this was very saddening, it also shined light for the next generation to step up in World Cup 2018. Players like Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and Filipe Luis finally made their World Cup debut, while other youngsters like Joshua Kimmich and N’golo Kante were rising in the ranks for their time at the tournament. Overall, the tournaments ended with the following champions; Spain, Germany, France.
In the next decade, we will have World Cup 2022, 2026 and 2030. Much is expected from these tournaments as the new rising talent has shown to be such an inspiration. Players like Ansu Fati, Matteo Guendozi, Xavi Simons, and others will have their chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage. An expectation as the Dutch come in hot with a strong team, and France with many new talents, the community has high expectations and some even have bets on the Netherlands and France to win the next few world cups.
From the Bench 