Talking points from the first round of World Cup matches

While the first games of a World Cup can often provide some indications of what is to come later in the tournament, teams can sometimes start slowly, which is not always a good sign. Spain for example, lost their first game in 2010 and still won the trophy.

However, on the evidence so far, Brazil has justified their status as pre-tournament favourites, having overwhelmed Serbia on the pitch, if not in terms of the score-line. They played with pace, power, and imagination and, through Richarlison scored the goal of the tournament so far, a spectacular scissor kick.

France also looks like they are capable of mounting a credible title defence. Kylian Mbappé demonstrated again why he is a potent match winner, and despite the injury problems he is facing, Didier Deschamps was able to call on quality off his bench.

Meanwhile, Spain flagged up that they could be the dark horses by thrashing a desperately poor Costa Rica side. Only the host, Qatar, can compete with them as the worst team in the tournament.

Not all favourites justified their status. Argentina arrived in Qatar off the back on an unbeaten 36-game run, but despite taking an early lead against Saudi Arabia, fell to a shock defeat. They were helped by the other game in their group between Mexico and Poland ending in a draw, so still, Messi and company will have hopes of progressing.

After their shocking loss to Japan, Germany will have to work hard to make it to the next round. It was a game they dominated in large parts, and took the lead from the penalty spot. But a failure to add to their advantage, coupled with some inspired Japanese substitutions changed the course of the match, and two goals in eight minutes could have already sealed their fate.

Unless they can beat Spain in their next match they are generally finished.

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While FIFA wished that football would take centre stage, controversy has followed the tournament off the field. Teams were forced to abandon their plans to wear ‘One Love” armbands because of the threat of severe disciplinary punishments, whilst there were numerous reports of fans being stopped from entering stadiums for wearing rainbow-coloured paraphernalia.

Germany chose to make their own feelings known by covering their mouths in the team photograph.

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Meanwhile, the Iran team staged their own protests about events back in their homeland by refusing to sing their own national anthem before the game against England. Not that it did them much good as they were out-classed by Gareth Southgate’s side.

Away from the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo was making headlines by having his contract with Manchester United cancelled by mutual consent after the explosive interview he gave to a British TV station.

He reminded prospective suitors what he can still do by opening the scoring for Portugal from the penalty spot in their opening game against Ghana. In the process becoming the first man to score in five successive Word Cup.