Key Takeaways from the First Round of World Cup Matches
by Sam Cox
All 48 of the teams in this summer's World Cup have got their first matches under their belts. There have been surprises, statement performances, and the occasional controversy, but what are the main takeaways from the opening round of World Cup fixtures?
Strong Underdog Showings
Cape Verde set a World Cup record by overcoming the biggest rankings gap to avoid defeat when they held Spain to a draw. Qatar’s late goal earned a draw with Switzerland, Haiti made Scotland sweat for their three points, and Australia toppled perennial dark horses Türkiye.
Then, there’s the small matter of DR Congo drawing with Portugal and Uruguay failing to beat Saudi Arabia. The first round of group stage matches did a lot to dampen the complaints about a 48-team World Cup, such was the smaller-than-expected gap between the top teams and the supposed minnows.
Spain’s slow-paced build-up play was a cause for concern, and highlighted their dependence on their electric wing duo. Other favorites, like Portugal and Uruguay, lacked cutting edge and creativity, while the Netherlands’ draw with Japan barely falls into the category an upset.
Big Names Step Up
A scintillating hat-trick for Lionel Messi. Braces for Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé.
Cristiano Ronaldo was kept quiet, and Germany shared their goals around, but the big four goal scorers all delivered in a big way in the opening round of fixtures. Vinicius Jr. found the net in Brazil’s Morocco draw, Alexander Isak was a force throughout Sweden’s emphatic victory, and even Virgil van Dijk found the net for the Netherlands.
World Cups are often defined by the breakout stories. Asamoah Gyan, James Rodríguez, and Enzo Fernández are past examples. This tournament is going to have its own ascendant stars, and some have made headlines already, but it’s the sport’s true superstars that have been the standout performers so far.
Happy Hosts
The United States torched Paraguay. Christian Pulisic was at his mesmeric best in the first half before being removed as a precaution. Mexico made light work of a hapless South Africa on opening night with a 2-0 win, and Canada got a late goal from Cyle Larin to secure their first-ever World Cup point.
Home advantage was clear for all three host nations. An intimidating atmosphere may well have contributed to South Africa’s messy performance in the first match of the tournament, and Canadian support was spectacular in Toronto for the first-ever men’s World Cup match in the country.
It was the best possible start for the U.S. in what could have been a tricky opening match. So impressive, in fact, that expectations for what could be possible this summer have increased further.
Bemoaned Hydration Breaks
Two ‘hydration breaks’ is fine when it’s sweltering. It is frustrating when the weather is cooler and bordering on comical when playing in rain or air-conditioned domes. It’s no great insight to acknowledge these glorified drinks breaks are simply a way to add more advertising into the coverage, but the significance of effectively switching from halves to quarters has to be taken into account.
Several teams had the wind taken out of their sails by a hydration break. The breather is likely to favor high-press teams and could make Mauricio Pochettino’s life easier given the physical demands of his play style.
It also opens up another opportunity for managers to influence proceedings. The best in-game tacticians have a chance to make tweaks when they would usually be left shouting from the sidelines – England, Germany, and the U.S. are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries.
Free-Flowing Scandinavians
Norway and Sweden combined for nine goals and two emphatic victories. Sweden’s thumping of Tunisia was the more surprising of the two, but Norway were a bit of an unknown due to a lack of tournament experience.
The link-up play of Isak and Viktor Gyökeres was a joy to watch. Erling Haaland was simply too much for Iraq to handle, with the rest of the Norwegian team more than supporting their star man in the high press.
Next up, Norway have Senegal, who impressed in defeat to France. Sweden are taking on the Netherlands, who are under a bit of pressure after losing their opening match.
