While all the focus at the World Cup was on the players who started the games, scored and the controversy with VAR, there were a number of substitutions made at the tournament in Russia which proved to have a desirable effect. They always say that a good manager knows when to make change and could making when could making subs be more important than at the World Cup? There is no doubt that these tactical decisions can have huge consequences in a game and is great for fans who love In-Play markets with reputable betting sites. Anyone looking to see the extent to this form of betting should take a look at online betting giant Unibet. Anyways, let’s take a look at some of the substitutions that really made an impact.

Spain vs Morocco

While both Spain and Morocco were disappointing in at the World Cup, they did play out an interesting fixture in the group stages. Morocco went ahead through Khalid Boutaib, before Isco got Spain back on level terms. Morocco brought on Fayacal Fajr and Youssef En-Nesyri who combined to put Morocco ahead once again, with the latter heading home. Spain substitute Iago Aspas struck in the 93rd minute to break Morocco hearts to tie the game at 2-2.

Spain vs Russia

It’s Spain again, but this time it’s the opposition who really profited from the right substitutions. Spain had been expected to cruise past the hosts but after going ahead through a Sergey Ignashevich own goal they were pegged back by an Artem Dzyuba strike from the spot in a tie which went all the way to penalties. Russia had brought on both Fedor Smolov and Denis Cheryshev in the game and they both scored in the shootout to Russia triumph 4-3.

Belgium vs Japan

Another last 16 game and this was arguably one of the games of the whole tournament. Japan had raced into an unlikely 2-0 lead before Roberto Martinez threw on both Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli in the 65th minute. Jan Vertonghen gave Belgium hope before Fellaini met an Eden hazard cross to draw them level. The game looked to be heading for a draw but Chadli had other ideas as he made it 3-2 to the Belgians in the 94th minute.

Colombia vs England

England had pretty much been in charge of this fixture from start to finish and went 1-0 up thanks to a Harry Kane penalty just before the hour mark. However, Yerry Mina headed home an equaliser in the 93rd minute and after the sides couldn’t be separated in extra time, penalties loomed. Gareth Southgate had brought on both Marcus Rashford and Eric Dier as subs and they both managed to convert from the spot, with the latter scoring the deciding penalty.

Russia vs Croatia

Croatia enjoyed a great World Cup and made it all the way to the final but not without a scare or two along the way. Hosts Russia really did give Croatia the game of their lives after taking them all the way to penalties, but they missed their first through substitute Fedor Smolov. Russia had brought on subs of their own, one being Marcelo Brozovic, and he calmly converted from the spot, helping Croatia to a 4-3 penalty win.