While China was not at the World Cup, a record setting nine players from the country's top domestic league took part in the tournament. Axel Witsel of Tianjin Quanjian, and Yannick Carrasco from Dalian Yifang led the way, as their efforts helped Belgium finish third for the first time ever. Damion Jones has more.

Belgium's performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup has helped shine attention on the Chinese Super League, with Axel Witsel and Yannick Carrasco playing key roles for the Red Devils, en route to a third place finish. But participating in football's top tournament left many members of the team eager for a quick mental break, before getting back to duty with their clubs.

AXEL WITSEL BELGIUM MIDFIELDER "I won't even watch the final. We will head back to Belgium and enjoy interacting with the fans. Once I have some time off, I try to do something else, rather than focusing on football."

The Belgian squad's 2-1 triumph against Brazil in the quarter-finals, featured Beijing Guoan's Renato Augusto scoring the only goal for the South Americans. He played just 50 minutes in Russia, but made the most of his time on the pitch. His compatriot Paulinho started all five of the Selecao's matches, and was loaned back to Guangzhou Evergrande by Barcelona, after the five-time champions were eliminated in the round of eight.

His clubmate Kim Young-Gwon represented South Korea, and tallied the first goal in the Taeguk Warriors shocking 2-0 victory, that doomed 2014 winners Germany to the bottom of Group F.

Hebei Fortune's Javier Mascherano helped Argentina reach the round of 16, but announced his retirement from the national side, after their earlier than intended exit. Also in Group D with the Albiceleste was Nigeria, which featured Changchun Yatai's Odion Ighalo, and captain John Obi Mikel from Tianjin Teda, but the duo's efforts were not enough to lead the Super Eagles into the knockout phase.

Portugal's Jose Fonte won't rejoin Dalian Yifang, after terminating his contract by mutual consent at the start of this week, but Serbia's Dusko Tosic is set to return to Guangzhou R&F, and the World Cup showings by these players have fans in China looking forward to even more exciting domestic action, as the CSL campaign continues. DJ, CGTN.