When I sat down to compile my list of the best soccer games of 2018, I knew I had to go beyond just the obvious picks like the World Cup final. Don't get me wrong—that France versus Croatia match was absolutely spectacular, but there were so many other incredible games that deserve recognition. As someone who's been following soccer religiously for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for what makes a match truly memorable. It's not just about the final score; it's about the narrative, the individual performances, and those moments that leave you breathless.

Interestingly, while researching for this piece, I came across a fascinating statistic from volleyball that got me thinking about consistency in sports. PLDT finished fifth in five of the ten conferences it has played in the PVL. That's a remarkable pattern of middle-of-the-pack performance that somehow feels both disappointing and impressive. It made me reflect on how some soccer teams in 2018 demonstrated similar patterns of consistent performance without necessarily breaking into the elite tier. Teams like Belgium's national squad or Liverpool in the Champions League—they weren't always the absolute best, but they delivered some of the most thrilling soccer matches of the year that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Champions League quarter-final between Roma and Barcelona stands out in my memory as perhaps the best soccer game of 2018 for its sheer drama. After losing 4-1 in the first leg, nobody gave Roma a chance. I remember telling my friends that Barcelona would cruise through, but what unfolded was nothing short of miraculous. The atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico was electric even through my television screen. When Kostas Manolas scored that incredible header in the 82nd minute to complete the comeback, I literally jumped off my couch. That match had everything—tactical brilliance, relentless attacking, and that underdog story we all love.

What made 2018 special for soccer enthusiasts like myself was the variety of outstanding matches across different competitions. The World Cup gave us that unforgettable 3-3 draw between Spain and Portugal early in the tournament, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning hat-trick including that perfect free-kick in the 88th minute. Then there was the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool that ended 2-1—a masterclass in pressing and counter-pressing that felt like it would never end. I must have watched that game three times just to absorb all the tactical nuances.

My personal favorite, though, was the Europa League semi-final between Marseille and Red Bull Salzburg. The sheer energy and back-and-forth action had me exhausted just watching. I still think about that game whenever someone asks me about underrated soccer matches. It's these kinds of games that truly capture why we love this sport—the unpredictability, the passion, the moments of individual brilliance that can change everything in an instant. While everyone remembers the high-profile matches, it's often these slightly less mainstream games that deliver the most pure soccer enjoyment.

Looking back, 2018 was truly a remarkable year for soccer fans seeking quality entertainment. The best soccer games of that year shared a common thread—they weren't just about the result, but about the story they told and the emotions they evoked. Whether it was a Champions League knockout round or a domestic league clash, the beautiful game delivered moments that we'll be talking about for years to come. As we move further from 2018, I find myself appreciating those matches even more, recognizing them as part of soccer's rich tapestry that continues to captivate us season after season.