Eden Hazard arrived at the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a lot of hype surrounding him. The Belgian winger was coming off a stellar season with Chelsea, where he had been named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year. He was widely considered to be one of the best players in the world, and many believed he could lead Belgium to glory in Russia.
However, Hazard’s World Cup campaign was ultimately a disappointment. He failed to live up to the expectations that had been placed on him, and Belgium were knocked out in the semi-finals by France.
What Went Wrong for Eden Hazard in Russia?
Several factors contributed to Hazard’s underwhelming performance in Russia.
- Injuries: Hazard was carrying a minor ankle injury into the tournament, which limited his mobility and effectiveness.
- Lack of Support: While Belgium boasted a strong attacking lineup, the team often relied too heavily on Hazard, who was burdened with the expectation to create scoring chances. This lack of support put a significant strain on him.
- Tactical Issues: Belgium manager Roberto Martinez struggled to find the right tactical system to get the best out of Hazard.
- France’s Dominance: In the semi-final against France, Hazard was simply outplayed by the French defense, which shut him down effectively.
A Look at Hazard’s Performance:
While Hazard’s World Cup performance fell short of expectations, he still contributed to Belgium’s successful run to the semi-finals. He scored one goal and provided two assists in seven matches. However, he lacked the spark and creativity that had made him one of the most exciting players in the world.
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eden-hazard-world-cup-2018-celebrating-goal|Eden Hazard Celebrating a Goal at the 2018 World Cup|This image showcases Eden Hazard celebrating a goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It reflects his typical celebratory expression and gesture, showcasing his passion and energy on the field. The image reflects the moment of joy and elation of scoring, demonstrating his skill and impact on the team’s performance in the tournament.
The Impact of Eden Hazard’s World Cup:
Despite his struggles, Hazard’s presence in Russia highlighted his impact on the Belgian national team. He was a key player in their run to the semi-finals, and his performances inspired a generation of young Belgian players.
While the World Cup was a missed opportunity for Hazard to showcase his full potential, he remains a talented and influential footballer.
What’s Next for Eden Hazard?
Following the 2018 World Cup, Hazard moved from Chelsea to Real Madrid, a move that further fueled expectations for his future success. However, his time at Real Madrid was plagued by injuries, limiting his impact on the team. He eventually departed Real Madrid in 2023 and joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to play.
While the 2018 World Cup might not have been his finest hour, Eden Hazard remains a significant figure in the world of football.
FAQ:
- What was Eden Hazard’s role in Belgium’s World Cup campaign? Eden Hazard was a key attacking player for Belgium, contributing with goals and assists throughout the tournament.
- How did Eden Hazard perform in the 2018 World Cup? While Hazard was expected to lead Belgium to glory, his performance fell short of expectations.
- Did Eden Hazard win the World Cup in 2018? No, Belgium lost to France in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup.
- What injuries did Eden Hazard suffer during the 2018 World Cup? Hazard was carrying a minor ankle injury into the tournament.
- What was the biggest challenge Eden Hazard faced at the 2018 World Cup? The biggest challenge Hazard faced was perhaps the pressure and expectation surrounding his performance, combined with injuries.
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