6 Footballers Whose Reputations Took A Battering At World Cup 2018
3. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski was a decent outside bet to win the Golden Boot before the World Cup began. His record in qualifying was unmatched, having scored 16 goals to take Poland to Russia.
Yet once again at a major international tournament, he failed to live up to expectations. The 29-year-old looked a shadow of his former self, only managing nine shots, three of which hit the target.
In his defence, Poland's service to the big man was poor and the support around him is a world away from what he's used to at Bayern Munich. Regardless, for Poland to crash out after just two group games having been favourites to qualify from their group is unacceptable and the blame lies with their star man who consistently flatters to deceive when it matters most.