We’re out the group stages! In the 2018 World Cup in Russia, it seems like there simply hasn’t been a dull moment. Whether it was the dodgy VAR decision-riddled game between Portugal and Iran, England’s 6-1 win over Panama, or the South Korea v Germany game that sent the titans home early. So many people have said this is the best tournament they’ve seen, simply because of the goal-filled games and unexpected results. After England lost last night in a game that nobody wanted to win, the arrival of football coming home has been put on pause.
A week or two ago we showed you our kit highlights at the World Cup. As there’s no football on today, we at UK Soccer Shop wanted to reflect on how the top kits have performed. What stunning designs have gone home and who could still stand a chance? Spoiler, Nigeria’s wonderful kit will sadly no longer be seen at the tournament.
5) Iceland’s Away Kit
Iceland seemed to explode onto the 2016 Euros in France. Their hypnotic, Viking handclap, together with knocking England out made them firm contenders for our hearts. While the team held Argentina to a 1-1 draw, they just couldn’t catch a break against Nigeria or Croatia. We loved the fade-in pattern of the sleeves and simplicity of the body. Ice to see you, nice.
4) Australia’s Home Kit
Another bottom-of-the-table finisher. We loved the bright yellow and animal-like pattern across the sleeves. The fun that’s on show in the promotional picture just couldn’t be seen on the pitch as the team lost against Peru and France and only stole a point from Denmark.
3) Senegal’s Home Kit
We at UK Soccer Shop so wanted Senegal to do well. For two reasons. Firstly, we’d love it if an African team won the competition, and secondly, their kit top had a lion on it. An actual lion. It was Columbia’s goal in yesterday’s game that put the Senegalese out, together with the newly introduced yellow card deciding factor. Goodbye to a truly lovely kit.
2) Sweden’s Away Kit
Yes! The only team in this list that are through to the knockout stages. Thank goodness, otherwise this list might have been pointless. It isn’t, okay? We loved this World Cup kit because it was simple and vibrant. The dark blue was contrasted so nicely with the bright yellow and the simple horizontal lines were a nice characteristic. They play Switzerland in the next round and we’ll be rooting for them! Come on the Swedes!
1) Nigeria’s Home Kit
By far the most vibrant and eye-catching kit of the competition. Lime-green on white is a beautiful combination and finished with black across the sleeves really completes the look nicely. Sadly we had to say goodbye to this majestic kit after they finished a point behind Argentina in one of the closest groups of the World Cup.
It will be interesting to see who wins this World Cup and whether their kit can compete with these ones. We’ve loved the football, we’re just abit sad to be saying goodbye to so much design-greatness.
