One day on from the end of Russia 2018, the sadness at bidding farewell to one of the greatest World Cups of all time is almost too much to bear, but an alternative award ceremony might alleviate some of the post-tournament blues.
France defeated Croatia 4-2 in Moscow on Sunday to become world champions for a second time, 20 years on from winning it on home soil.
But, given the number of memorable moments thrown up by the incredible four-week festival, there is so much more to look back on than just Sunday s enthralling final.
From pitiful penalties and harrowing hairstyles, to proud presidents and classy coaches – here is Omnisport s alternative World Cup awards…
Comedy moment – Michy Batshuayi
In Belgium s 1-0 group stage win over England, Adnan Januzaj scored a gorgeous winner, but it was upstaged just a couple of seconds later by Michy Batshuayi. The striker picked the ball out of the net and proceeded to smash it back in in celebration, only for it to cannon back off the post and hit him square in the face. He did see the funny side, to his credit.
I dont know but I deserve the Golden Post
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi)
Bizarre moment – Milad Mohammadi
Your team is 1-0 down heading into the crucial late stages of a World Cup group match and you ve got a throw-in in an attacking position; what do you do? Turn the situation into a comedy sideshow by attempting to combine the throw-in with a forward roll, of course. Or, you do if you re Iran defender Milad Mohammadi.
Best presidential celebration – Emmanuel Macron
Considering French president Emmanuel Macron accused Russia of attempting to influence his 2017 election in favour of opponent Marine Le Pen, he was always going to get a bit of attention during Sunday s final. And he certainly played up to the cameras, jumping on to the table in the stands and gesticulating wildly as France marched to victory, with Vladimir Putin sat just a few feet away. A strong display of gloating, which was later followed up by dabbing lessons from Benjamin Mendy and Paul Pogba.
