For our Round of 16 update, we select 5 of the coolest goals so far in the group stage, all of which deserves a special place on the World Cup record of goals made. From Mbappe’s second goal against Argentina, to Pavard’s amazing goal miles from the post, to Vertonghen’s goal which revived Belgium’s chances against Japan when they were down 0-2, to Chadli’s winning goal giving Belgium a 3-2 score sheet and a ticket to the quarterfinals.
Top 5: Mbappe 2nd Goal (vs Argentina)
68′ GOALLLLLLLLL!!!!! MBAPPE AT THE DOUBLE!!!! FRANCE 4-2!!!! Mbappe provides the finish from a flowing France move, which puts his side on the brink of the last eight. Griezmann, Pogba and Giroud combined to release the forward into the right inside channel. He held his composure in the box to bury his effort beyond the reach of Armani into the bottom corner. A coming of age for Mbappe on the world stage.
Top 4: Neymar (vs Mexico)
51′ GOALLLLLLLLL!!!! NEYMAR PUTS BRAZIL AHEAD!!!! 1-0!!!! The pressure from Tite’s men pays off as Neymar converts at the back post. Willian’s surge into the left inside channel caused problems for El Tri. His low drive across the face of goal missed Jesus on the slide, but Neymar was there to stab it home to hand his team the lead in the Samara Arena.
Top 3: Pavard (vs Argentina)
57′ GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!! PAVARD SCORES A SUBLIME STRIKE!!!! 2-2!!!!! France are back on level terms as Pavard skims a half-volley into the top corner. Hernandez was played down the left flank by Matuidi. His cross failed to connect with a team-mate in the box. Pavard collected on the edge and struck his effort first time on the bounce. He made skimming contact which helped the trajectory of the ball drift inside the post and away from the hand of Armani into the top corner. Game on!
Top 2: Vertonghen (vs Japan)
69′ GOAAAAAL! 2-1! Belgium get one back! Japan fail to deal with a corner and Vertonghen loops a superb header over the head of Kawashima and into the far corner. Game on!
Top 1: Chadli (vs Japan)
90′ + 4′ GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! BELGIUM LEAD 3-2! What an incredible end to an incredible match! The Red Devils hit on the counter with the last kick of the game. De Bruyne charges through the middle, rolls a ball out wide to Meunier and the low cross is brilliantly left by Lukaku and Chadli has the goal at his mercy.