What causes the big ones to fall out of the 2018 World Cup?

World Cup 2018 has entered the quarterfinals with not many big faces. What causes this absence?
What causes the big ones to fall out of the 2018 World Cup?
World Cup 2018 schedule

Of the eight teams in the quarterfinals (Sweden, Russia, Croatia, Uruguay, Belgium, England, Brazil and France), only Brazil and France are considered big names. England is also a formidable team, but if placed on the table with Brazil or France, the Three are certainly not equal.

Germany, Argentina, Spain, Portugal all left the 2018 World Cup in their own way. However, one common point that is easy to recognize is that besides tactical, human factors, having to go through a tight schedule throughout the season makes the players no longer maintain the highest level.

Spain is ineffective against Russia, with slow and predictable ball rotation. Germany's "tank" is overwhelmed by Mexico's speedy header, while Lionel Messi plays as a lifeless, no longer able to break through the opponent as he regularly performs.

As the legs become heavy, the level of the team becomes more balanced. At the 2018 World Cup, any team with a strong physical foundation is dominant. Of course, that was not the only reason why Germany, Spain, Argentina and Portugal had to carry their suitcases back home. In part, the key elements of each big team are not able to fully utilize their capabilities.


Except for Kylian Mbappe, most of the stars in the 2018 World Cup are playing the wrong potential. Neymar, Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, Eden Hazard scored, but the mark they leave certainly not much. If competing with 100% ability, they can completely do many other wonders.