THE RUSSIAN TEAM HAD THE TOURNAMENT’S BEST DEFENSE, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF 60 MATCHES OUT OF 64. This FIFA ranking is cited on the official World Cup website, and is based on the following fi gure: 259 clearances, dispossessions and saves. Russia’s Denis Cheryshev, who scored four goals, took third place among top scorers according to the “goal+pass” system. The Brazilian team was recognized best in offence, with 292 attacks. Spain was best in assists (3,120), and the most effective team was Belgium, with 14 scored goals.
“The tournament has been very successful, the stadiums are fabulous, the atmosphere in the stands is very good. But, most importantly, there are so many beautiful matches,” said the French World champion and European champion Laurent Blanc.
