Heroes And Villains Of The World Cup: Matchday 10

Seven goals between Belgium and Tunisia. Another si se puede performance from El Tri. The most lit match of the tournament so far. Day 10 had it all. I never want this to end.

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Heroes and Villains of the World Cup: Matchday 10

Hero: Carlos Vela (Mexico)

El Tri’s front four of Chucky Lozano, Vela, Miguel Layun and Chicharito has been excellent throughout (and the midfield duo of Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera has certainly aided it all), but Vela has been at the heart of everything for Mexico. The Los Angeles FC attacker has been able to exploit the space offered by both Germany and South Korea, and the 29-year-old certainly seems like a footballer at the height of his powers, both physically and mentally.

#MundialTelemundo Así abrió el marcador @11carlosV y puso en ventaja a #MEX sobre #KOR pic.twitter.com/2WsINUiSSa

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018

He played with a joy, confidence and assurance that’s incredible to see at the World Cup, and his teammates fed off his energy throughout. Once again, pretty much any Mexico starter could be given the "hero" tag, but Vela stood out once again. 

Honorable mention: Toni Kroos (Germany)

I don’t think there would have been anything dirty or foul about it, but if Sweden and Germany draw today, then Mexico and Sweden draw on Wednesday. That’s just what happens and Germany go crashing out. Kroos saved Germany’s World Cup with this unreal strike at the death.

#MundialTelemundo ¡En el último suspiro @ToniKroos con un golazo mantiene con vida a #GER! pic.twitter.com/jgf4hczlYT

— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 23, 2018

Villain: German Staff In Blue Button Down Shirts (Germany)

I have no problem with the trash talk, that should be encouraged, but these two clowns are still getting whooped regardless of what Kroos has just accomplished on the pitch. If your strategy is to pick a fight and run away, don't pick a fight.

German officials taunt Sweden bench after final whistle, and handbags come out.#worldcup #GERSWE pic.twitter.com/44dqWdqPTa

— Gilles (@GrimandiTweets) June 23, 2018

Honorable mention: Every Team That’s Not Senegal (You Know Who You Are)

GTFO if you’re not Senegal. 

#Senegal #WorldCup training methods pic.twitter.com/kEAPYNhCdV

— FIFA WorldCup Trivia (@Trivia_WorldCup) June 23, 2018