The first round of World Cup group matches produced a glut of stunning goals from the tournament's biggest names, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr all featuring in a compilation released by BBC Sport. The early fireworks have delighted fans and organisers alike, as chief sports writer Andy Dunn observed: 'Messi’s performance was emblematic of the tournament’s marquee players making early statements.'
Harry Kane scored twice in England's entertaining 4-2 win over Croatia, while Erling Haaland also impressed. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, failed to match his old Ballon D’Or rival, though Dunn noted 'there is time for him to prove people wrong.'
“Stars like Messi and Kane shine in first World Cup round as hydration breaks become bearable.”
Even the much-maligned hydration breaks – three-minute pauses midway through each half introduced last December as commercial breaks – have become bearable. 'The football has been so compelling,' wrote Dunn. 'Hydration breaks have stopped winding me up.' FIFA have taken steps to keep the game flowing, reversing throw-ins for time-wasting and awarding Portugal a corner after DR Congo delayed a goal-kick. VAR, Dunn added, 'seems to work a whole lot smoother and far more quickly than it does in the Premier League.'
Questionable goalkeeping added to the gaiety: Luca Zidane inadvertently helped Messi with a couple of his record-equalling goals. But the expanded format – one win offers a half-decent chance of advancing – has encouraged a greater sense of adventure.
Kane later issued an injury update after being spotted with calf strapping following the Croatia victory, though no further details were available from the source. The second round of group fixtures begins today, with fans eager to see if the marquee names can maintain their dazzling form.