As expected, the Sweden vs. Switzerland match was low scoring and relatively low action, finishing 1-0 for the Blågult. Sweden is through to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1994 thanks to the Emil Forsberg goal vs Switzerland, one he probably celebrated a bit too much given the strike’s quality.
Switzerland secured a come-from-behind victory over Serbia in an enthralling match the Swiss won 2-1. Two world-class goals from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri secured the three points for Switzerland, but the win was overshadowed by the Shaqiri and Xhaka goal celebration.
Yep, a simple goal celebration received more attention that the victory for the Swiss.
You may be asking — why on earth would a goal celebration hold such significance? Well, strap yourself in for a bit of a history lesson.
A goal in football is always followed by a wild celebration. These celebrations are often a player’s signature, and they include pointing to the sky and thanking the footballing gods, the always cool knee slide or the epic running explosion while screaming in unison with the fans. The World Cup goal celebrations at the 2018 tournament have been no different.
This year’s World Cup provides an opportunity for the planet to see a variety of signature celebrations. Below are some of the best World Cup goal celebrations that we’ve seen so far.
With a 2-2 draw against Gimnasia La Plata on Wednesday night at the Estadio Juan Carlos Zerillo, Boca Juniors won a second straight Argentine Superliga title. But there was a problem: No Boca fans were allowed at the away match. So the team hopped in a bus, drove back to Buenos Aires and partied with its fans. And the Boca Juniors celebrations at La Bombonera were rightfully bonkers.
While there’s still work to be done to secure its historic “Invincibles” status (most notably Sunday’s El Clasico at the Camp Nou), Barcelona took time off to celebrate its league and cup double on Monday with an open-top bus victory parade through the heart of the city.
Congratulations, Ștefan Blănaru. You made us pay attention to Romanian football with perhaps the funniest soccer celebration we’ve seen all year. Your combination of cleverness, arrogance and an impeccable performance have us wondering whether this was the greatest thing ever or the dumbest celebration ever.
Blănaru plays for FC Hermannstadt in Liga II, the Romanian second division. He scored the third goal in a 4-0 win over Luceafarul Oradea on Saturday. You’ve never heard of the player or either club — but that doesn’t matter.
Imitation is a common behavior amongst young children which aids and encourages their cognitive development, and also, well it's nothing short of “cute!"