The outstanding tackle of the World Cup? Certainly so far. Not just because of its execution but because of what it meant in the wider context of the game. Brazil were ahead and on their way to the World Cup semi-final. Croatia were out unless they could muster an equaliser in the second half of extra time.
And then the ball then broke to Fred, who appeared to have a clear run on goal. That was until the imposing figure of Josko Gvardiol came across to produce a textbook sliding challenge. Man was taken but only after ball – and it was from the tackle that Croatia mounted an attack that led to Bruno Petkovic's 117th-minute equaliser.
The small European nation would go on to eliminate Brazil on penalties. A result few envisaged but one that came as no major shock. Croatia have punched above their weight at previous tournaments, have taken high-profile scalps. It's simply what they do under Zlatko Dalic.
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It's a team that certainly does not lack talent. Luka Modric, even at the age of 37, is imperious in midfield and ably supported by Chelsea's own Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. Ivan Perisic remains a willing and effective wide player. And goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was excellent against the Selecao.
It's Gvardiol, however, whose stock has risen highest among the Croatian contingent during the World Cup. The 20-year-old was already regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in the European game ahead of the tournament but has demonstrated he is ready for the here and now.
In possession, Gvardiol is at complete ease. Without the ball, he is aggressive and confident in his defending. There was even a moment in the second period against Brazil where he was yelled at by Kovacic to get back into position after one advance forward into opposition territory.
In the summer, Chelsea pushed hard to sign Gvardiol – and they expected to push again in January. The problem is the Blues are far from alone in their pursuit. His performances at the World Cup have led to an orderly queue of Champions League heavyweights being formed and his price tag being set at around £90million.
Manchester City have long had eyes on Gvardiol. Real Madrid and Barcelona now do too, according to reports in Spain. So Chelsea's path will be far from clear when they reopen talks with Leipzig during the winter transfer window.
But the Blues' new ownership proved last summer they are prepared to spend big to land prime targets. That will be the case again next month if the right player becomes available. It's unlikely Leipzig part ways with Gvardiol mid-season but one potential avenue could be to strike a deal that enables the defender to see out the campaign in Germany.
Bringing Gvardiol into the stable of young, talented central defenders already owned by Chelsea – Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill – would certainly be a statement of intent from Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. But they are likely to have their work cut out with interest building and Gvardiol producing standout World Cup moments.
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