5 Things We Learned From the First Round of Games in the 2018 World Cup

Senegal and Poland concluded the first round of games in the 2018 World Cup football competition. The tournament, which began on the 14th of June, has been witness to a total of 38 goals with a lot of drama. As we approach the second round of games, we take a look at the 5 things we learned from the first round of games.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Diego Costa in the Race for the Golden Ball

The race for the golden ball has already began with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the score charts with the high Soccer score in Soccer Predictions. The Portuguese talisman had to hit the target 3 times to ensure Portugal avoided a defeat. The Portuguese was in sublime form and was at the right place and time to secure vital points for his team. While Ronaldo scored three, Diego Costa also proved to be a force, as he twice cancelled out Portugal’s lead and was unlucky to be substituted. Harry Kane proved to be the difference between England and Tunisia as his brace gifted the three lions all 3 points.

Penalties Dominates the Goals Section

Goals scored from spot kicks dominated the first round of the games in the World Cup as footballers have fluffed their lines inside the box. The Referees proved not be shy in awarding spot kicks for a record 9 penalties, with 7 converted to goals while 2 were missed. Elite teams have proven to concede penalties against smaller opposition despite the level of experience.

Senegal Spares Africa Blushes

Senegal rescued the African continent from disgrace after defeating Poland 2-1 in the last game of the first round of games. Prior to that, African teams conceded defeat in their opening games and all looked likely for an early exit. African teams have also been marred by errors, particularly errors at the back, but Senegal looked the most composed and balanced team. The Teranga lions, despite their quality, had to rely on errors made by their opponent to grab all 3 points.

Underperformance From Elite Teams

The World Cup has already treated football viewers to lots of drama, as there seems to be no fear factor between the Elite teams and the major teams. Elite teams have underperformed despite the quality of experience players at their disposal. France, despite the caliber of the players, had to rely on a controversial VAR decision to defeat Australia. 2018 World Cup finalist Argentina was held to a shocking 1-1 draw by newcomer Iceland, with Lionel Messi denied from the spot. Reigning World champions Germany were stunned by Mexico, despite the huge player quality separating the two teams. Five time world champions Brazil could not break Switzerland despite their huge arsenal of attacking minded players including Neymer. England had to rely on a 92 minute winner from Harry Kane to see off the stubborn Tunisian team.

Defensive Football Has Become the Other Play of the Day

Negative football has seemed to be the other play of the day, as teams have preferred to sit deep while relying on the break. This is an observable trait that is relatively new, as teams in the past have preferred to play the ball their own way. While teams like Iran, Iceland and Uruguay can be forgiven considering that it has been their approach towards the game, countries such as Brazil have also deployed the same approach.