The wait is finally
over. After four years of anticipation, the 2018 World Cup is underway. And
already, there are plenty of storylines. Whether it be surprises, upsets, or
great performances, this World Cup is already producing scintilating
entertainment. After the first five days, here are the top storylines.
Liftoff For the Hosts
The two lowest ranked
teams in the tournament, Russia and Saudi Arabia, faced off on opening day. As
the hosts, all eyes are on Russia to play well and advance to the knockout
stage. To do so, they had to beat Saudi Arabia to gain momentum going into
games against much tougher opposition, including Egypt and Uruguay. And the
hosts responded. After seven winless matches going in, Russia blew Saudi Arabia
off the park, winning 5-0 in front of 80,000 fans in Moscow. Although Saudi
Arabia are the worst team in the tournament, Russia have the momentum, and
their home fans behind them, to keep it up and make it to the knockout stage.
Grab Your Popcorn
Ever since the schedule
was released for the World Cup, the game that everyone circled was Portugal
versus Spain. The European champions, featuring international superstar,
Cristiano Ronaldo, against the 2010 World Cup champions. And after months of
hype, the match lived up to expectations. Portugal took the lead twice through
goals by Ronaldo, only to see Spain equalize twice, until a stunning right
footed volley from Real Madrid defender, Nacho, made it 3-2 to the Spanish. But
that would not be all. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up yet again, scoring from a
free kick to put Portugal on level terms with Spain, ending the match 3-3.
Frankly, this game may have been the greatest World Cup game of the
twenty-first century. Hopefully, it is not the last time Portugal and Spain
meet in this World Cup.
Bad Day at the Office
Many of the tournament
favorites heading into the World Cup have stumbled out of the gate. Argentina,
led by five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, were neutralized by World
Cup debutants, Iceland. Yes, a country with a population of just over 330,000
people tied the two-time winners, Argentina. Brazil tied as well, with the
pedestrian Switzerland. The most glamorous team in the tournament, and the
favorite to win their sixth World Cup, were held 1-1 by Switzerland, shocking
many. However, the greatest of them all came on Sunday afternoon, when the
title holders fell. Germany, winners of the 2014 edition, lost to Mexico 1-0,
in a game they were completely outplayed. For the big teams in the World Cup,
it was quite the underwhelming weekend, considering the expectations they have
set for themselves.
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