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World Cup rankings: 12 to 8

By James Fudge

KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 30: Serigo Aguero of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between France and Argentina at Kazan Arena on June 30, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 30: Serigo Aguero of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between France and Argentina at Kazan Arena on June 30, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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The defensive midfielder was second to Casemiro in the starting line-up and only started the quarter-final against Belgium following the Real Madrid player’s suspension for two yellow cards.

KAZAN, RUSSIA – JULY 06: Fernandinho of Brazil looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Brazil and Belgium at Kazan Arena on July 6, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA – JULY 06: Fernandinho of Brazil looks dejected following his sides defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Brazil and Belgium at Kazan Arena on July 6, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

It was this game that summed up his World Cup campaign, disappointing. Ever reliable in a city shirt, shielding the back four and getting on the ball to start attacks with simple passes; this wasn’t to be the case as he got Brazil’s biggest game of the tournament off to a disastrous start.

His own goal proved crucial in being defeated by the Red Devils. The corner led to a mix-up in the defence to allow Fernandinho to head/shoulder the ball past Allison in the net before he could even react.

To be fair, he was unsighted and had little time to change his direction to prevent the opening goal.

He may have felt he was partly to fault for Belgium’s second goal. He should know in countless training exercises in Manchester that you don’t give Kevin De Bruyne space to show his quality, Fernandinho did.

KEVVVIIINNNN!!!! The shout from  the mother in Home Alone, Fernandinho wishes he never reunited with his club mate as he put Brazil on the first plane back home from Russia.