At the World Cup hosted in Europe, it’s no surprise that European teams have taken center stage. But from the Chinese Super League (CSL) perspective, all eyes are on the high-stakes clash between Belgium and Brazil. No matter who emerges victorious, the outcome guarantees that at least one CSL foreign player will break into the semifinals—a historic moment for the league.
In total, nine CSL foreign players represented seven national teams at the 2018 Russia World Cup, setting a new participation record. With two of them—Yannick Carrasco from Dalian Yifang and Renato Augusto from Beijing Guoan—making it to the quarterfinals, at least one is assured a spot among the final four. This marks a groundbreaking achievement for Chinese football. However, with the Chinese Football Association now imposing stricter financial regulations on clubs, such a golden moment might be hard to replicate in the future.
Of the final eight teams, six are from Europe, with only Brazil and Uruguay flying the flag for South America—and they both landed in the same half of the bracket. This arrangement all but ensures that at least one European side will reach the final. The bottom half of the draw appears more favorable, and England is widely tipped as a strong contender. Yet, Croatia has emerged as a true dark horse. If they can overcome hosts Russia, there’s no telling how far they might go.
The top half, however, promises fireworks. Heavyweights France and Uruguay will face off, with France boasting the most expensive squad and Uruguay known for its ironclad defense. Then comes Brazil versus Belgium, a battle sure to set fans’ hearts racing—pitting five-time champions against a side that’s netted 11 goals in just four games.
Both Carrasco and Augusto have played pivotal roles for their national teams, symbolizing the rising influence of the CSL on the world stage. For Chinese fans watching through the lens of the Crickex App, this tournament is more than just a spectacle—it’s a testament to how far their domestic league has come. As they say, the proof is in the pudding, and this year’s World Cup is serving up a taste of CSL success like never before.