The first round of this summers World Cup 2018 in Russia provided plenty of excitement, lots of goals, controversy, stand-out performers and well, own goals but what have we learned from the Tournament so far?
The Hosts are Enjoying Themselves
Russia roared to a 3-1 victory over Egypt keeping their perfect start to the 2018 World Cup in-tact. After their rampant 5-0 victory Saudi Arabia on the opening day, the hosts are impressing not only their own fans but the neutrals also. It remains to be seen what they’ll do once the knockout stages comes to the fore in a few weeks time but its clear Russia are laying down marker. Declared the worst nation heading into the tournament after their poor form but they have put those tags to bed with two brilliant performances. Whoever they get in the next round last-16, however difficult it may be, just know that Russia won’t go down without a fight.
World Cup 2018 wide open
What a roller coaster ride the World Cup has served us already. Heavy favorites Germany, Spain, Brazil and Argentina all failed to win the opening game of the tournament which leaves us to question how they will fare for the rest of the group stage. Germany’s defeat to Mexico must have been a tough one to take for Joachim Low and his men, but they have to admit they were soundly beaten by a team who will be brimming with confidence after that impressive performance. Germany face a difficult and resolute Sweden side next who will also be filled with confidence after their opening game win against South Korea.
At all costs, Germany must be victorious or else we could be faced with the possibility of a knockout stage without the mighty Germans – the reigning World Champions. Wow. Who can imagine that? Brazil, Spain and Argentina are all in desperate need of victories and these next few days could prove pivotal as to how the knockout could shape out once it begins. France were victorious in their opening game but at the expense of an underwhelming performance against Australia, if they are to harbor hopes of lifting the famous trophy, they must improve fast.
Mexico could be the surprise package
What a performance. If you watched Mexico’s victory over mighty Germany, you would have thought Mexico were the reigning champions. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare for the rest of the group stages but you don’t put in a performance like that against Germany and not mean business. Columbia were the surprise package of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and Mexico just might be the unexpected dark horses throughout the tournament. Hirving Lozano, Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado and co. Mexico find themselves with an embarrassment of riches in their squad. Just how far can they go if they continue to perform like they did against Germany. Ones to watch.
Slow Starts for the World Stars
At the start of the tournament we listed the superstar big names that would be hoping to assist their nations in gracing themselves with the World Cup trophy. But on the evidence of the opening fixtures, only one of them turned up in full force and that’s Cristiano Ronaldo who picked up yet another hat-trick – his 51st – against Spain last Friday. Portugal may not be many fans cup of teas to lift the trophy come the eve of July 15th but if Ronaldo produces masterclasses like the one he gave on Friday who’s to say Portugal can’t upset the odds once again after their unlikely Euro 2016 victory.
However, his fellow stars Neymar, Messi, Lewandowski, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann all endured underwhelming starts to their World Cup campaigns with all harboring ambitions of leading their nations to World Cup glory. Messi and Neymar most of all have the weight of their respective nations on their fashionable shoulders and their performances will have to vastly improve if those ambitions are to be fulfilled. The latter may find that a wee bit difficult after the Brazilian superstar limped out of training on Tuesday evening. Could this be another disappointing World Cup for Neymar? He cannot afford to have that on his resume, Brazil desperately need him.
Group H May Pull Up Some Surprises
If you hadn’t noticed, Group H is the most evenly balanced group of all at this summers tournament. All the nations are all perceived as underdogs or dark horses as you may like to call them. Japan, Columbia, Senegal and Poland all have the ability to hurt any of the top nations on their day. But which two did you predict to go through of paper? It was most likely Columbia and Poland right? Well, you may have to reconsider those predictions after Tuesdays results.
Japan and Senegal, two of the unlikely sources in the group all enjoyed a fruitful start to the competition – the latter being the first African side in the tournament to pick up three points – which has added a much interesting scenario to Group H, do not sleep on this group. It may just surprise you.
Harry Kane Means Business.. Put Those ‘World Class’ debates to Bed Now
‘Kane is World Class’, ‘Kane is not World Class yet’, ‘Kane needs to win trophies to become World Class’. These ‘World class debates surrounding Harry Kane has become all too boring now, lets just put this case to bed. Harry Kane is amongst one of the best strikers in the world right now and his heroics against Tunisia on Monday night shows that the Tottenham man means business this summer. This World Cup may just be the opportunity for Harry Kane to make his stamp in the history books, he may just be the man to lead England to glory, he has the quality doesn’t he? A man can only dream. Well, his beloved clubs mantra ‘Dare to Dream’ says it all.
Go on son !
Russia’s ‘James Rodriguez’?
Remember when a certain young James Rodriguez lit up the World Cup 2014 in Brazil and got himself a dream move to mighty Real Madrid as soon as Columbia’s impressive run came to an end? Finishing top scorer with 6 goals to boot? Well, we may just have another version in Russia’s playmaker Aleksander Golovin. 2 games played for this man, and he has already lightened up the tournament with his rampant performances for his nation. If Russia are to dream of going far in their own soil this summer, this man will be key to their ambitions. Silky on the ball, brave, he has the vision, the panache and to cap it off, the set piece brilliance scoring Russia’s fifth goal against Saudi Arabia. No wonder why clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus are all touting his services.
You may not have heard of the name before the tournament begun. But you will before the summer is out. What a player.
anthonyscouts.co.uk 
Fantastic analysis. Welldone
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