Stanislav Cherchesov's side won their next match against Egypt 3-1 before losing 3-0 to Uruguay after being reduced to 10 men early. They then beat 2010 champions Spain on penalties in the round of 16 but bowed out in the quarterfinals against Croatia in another duel decided by spot-kicks.

Roberto Martinez's Belgium

Belgium's so-called golden generation has finally turned potential into concrete results by reaching the last four of the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Coach Roberto Martinez has succeeded where his predecessors failed by making the team greater than the sum of its parts.

The Spaniard has also shown great tactical pragmatism by setting up his side to suit the characteristics of his best players and exploit the weakness of opponents. This was exemplified in the team's 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Brazil, when Kevin de Bruyne was deployed as a false nine while Roman Lukaku and Eden Hazard where pulled wide.

Kylian Mbappe

The 19-year-old forward almost single-handedly fired his team to victory over Argentina in the round of 16 by scoring twice and earning a penalty. In doing so, he became the first teenager since Pele in 1958 to net a brace in a single World Cup match. His explosive speed and lethal finishing has drawn comparisons with Brazil great Ronaldo.

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