Few had expected much from a World Cup in Russia but so far it is proving to be an exciting tournament for all.
The hosts started things off with a bang by beating Saudi Arabia five nil and from that moment in time, there has been plenty of entertainment for those watching.
Spain vs Portugal was a classic, Iceland vs Argentina saw the tournament’s smallest nation going toe to toe with a giant and Germany vs Mexico saw the holders beaten in their opening game.
The first round of fixtures has been full of entertainment and shocks and several players have all started with a bang. Here is the team of the first round of the World Cup:
Hannes Þór Halldórsson
Saving a Lionel Messi penalty is enough of an achievement to secure Halldorsson his place in this lineup.
But aside from that memorable moment he also turned in a performance of the highest quality to limit Argentina to just the one goal and secure Iceland a huge point from their opening game.
Aleksandar Kolarov
Kolarov enjoyed a fantastic season with Roma in Serie A last year and has seemingly carried that form into the World Cup.
The left-back has always been a danger from set pieces and his superb curling effort to secure a win over Costa Rica only helped to prove that point.
Diego Godin
We all know Diego Godin is the epitome of the warrior centre-back as he’s been doing it for years at Atletico Madrid.
He’s also a star turn in Uruguay’s defence, though, and showed it in the win over Egypt. Superb at the back he was also a creative force, often striding into midfield to try and get the lacklustre Uruguay side to create something.
Nacho
He’s at the World Cup as a right back for Spain but plays at centre-half for this team.
Spain may have conceded three goals to rivals Portugal but Nacho’s wonder strike was an unforgettable moment in their classic encounter and earns him his place in this team.
Valon Behrami
It’s no easy task marking Neymar, especially when he’s determined to make his mark in Brazil’s opening game to the World Cup.
Yet Behrami made it look like an afternoon walk in the park, marshalling Neymar into obscurity to ensure Switzerland secured a point against one of the tournament favourites.
Sergej Milinković-Savić
Segej Milinkovic-Savic arrives at this World Cup having earned plaudits across Europe for his performances with Lazio this season.
He showed why he is so highly rated with his performance against Costa Rica, dominating their midfield from start to finish in a display that felt like him announcing himself to the world stage.
Aleksandr Golovin
Russia’s superb start to their campaign shocked many and it was built on the excellent performance of Golovin in the middle of the park.
The central midfielder controlled the game and was often at the heart of whatever positive thing Russia did in the game. His excellent freekick late in the game was the icing on the cake of a top performance.
Isco
Little needs to be said about Isco, the whole of Europe is aware of his talents having seen him star for Real Madrid in recent years.
That should not take away from his performance against Portugal, though. The midfielder was superb from start to finish, at times running rings around his Iberian counterparts. Whatever Spain did well, Isco was a part of.
Denis Cheryshev
Joining Russia teammate Aleksandr Golovin in this team, it was impossible to leave Cheryshev out of this list.
His first goal was a sublime piece of skill and composure while his second was a wonderful outside of the boot effort that had everyone applauding. Factor in that they were his first goals for his country and it makes his place in this team all the more deserved.
Hirving Lozano
Another youngster who is expected to make a big-money move this summer, Lozano showed why with his display against reigning champions Germany.
The pacey winger tormented Joshua Kimmich throughout the time he was on the pitch and took his goal with aplomb to hand Mexico a memorable and shocking victory.
Cristiano Ronaldo
What is there left to say about Cristiano Ronaldo? When the world calls for him to stand up and be counted, he does just that.
A hattrick against Spain, including a stunning last-minute freekick to secure a point, showed he is determined to make the most of what will likely be his last appearance at the World Cup.
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