FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 early narratives from the tournament

The FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia is well and truly underway and it is everything the fans expected it to be.

Plenty of action, brilliant performances, some outstanding goals, a few unexpected results, and all of this in only the first round of games.

It's the World Cup and it's only taking shape, but has been an exhilarating affair already. Here are our five interesting narratives from the biggest footballing tournament in the World:

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#5 The African Heartbreaks

Football along with the joyous moments remains a game of heartbreaks. The FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia has already provided us with quite a few heartbreaking moments, unfortunately, though most of those have fallen in the way of the African sides. Four of the five African sides lost their opening games, all of those defeats coming right at the end.

Egypt who were without their star forward Salah, held Uruguay for large parts of the game, losing out to a leaping header from the Uruguayan defender Gimenez. Egypt had been very good in their display against the South American side and looked set to get a valuable point but were only left with broken hearts come the end of the match.

Similar fate followed Morocco in their tie against Iran. Morocco looked the better side for decent portions of a tight game. Captain Benatia had a good chance of putting his side ahead in the game early on. He didn’t take that and ended up paying the price as his side suffered in the end. Morocco conceded a late own goal through Bouhaddouz to lose it in the 95th minute of the game. Morocco couldn’t believe it as they ended up gifting a win to the Iranians.

Tunisia were not really given a chance of beating England in their opening game. England attacked well, Tunisia somehow managed to keep them at bay. Even managing to level it up through a penalty. Badd fate, however, struck the Tunisians too as it was Harry Kane this time in the 85th minute to win it for England. The African sides have struggled late on and have been at the receiving end of some heartbreaking results, something that has put their passage through the World Cup at a huge risk.

#4 South American flare missing

Messi had a forgettable opening game against Iceland.

The South American flare that the fans have been so expectant of this World Cup, has so far been missing. South American teams and players alike have not looked up for it so far in the early exchanges.

Argentina and Brazil looked a bit lacklustre in their display against tough oppositions. But opponents against whom they were expected to win. Especially given their individual brilliance and talent, which very clearly outweighed the opposition on paper.

Messi had a disappointing start to his World Cup campaign against a compact Iceland side. Missing the crucial penalty, Messi could only watch as his side struggled and could manage only a draw in what is pretty much the group of death. Brazil, in their match, looked to have had the measure of Switzerland early on.

However, as the game went on, the fans did not see the Brazil they had come to know of during the qualifiers. Brazil didn’t look like the same side as they struggled to break a good Swiss side, showing that there are things still to work on for head coach Tite and for Neymar and co.

Peru in their group lost to Denmark in a game from which they should've at least got a point while Colombia were beaten by an impressive Japan side in their Group H opener. The opening exchanges of the World Cup have been tough for the South American sides, something their fans hope would not be extended further into the tournament.

#3 A decent European Contingent

Iceland held their own against Argentina in their opening game.

The European teams in this FIFA World Cup have all been up to their respective tasks presenting a strong contingent as a whole. Spain vs Portugal lived up to all the hype.

Brilliant goals, intense action, the game had everything, everything that one would expect of a heavyweight European clash. Iceland were at their compact best against a Lionel Messi led side. Holding their own and getting a point very expected them to get.

The hosts Russia presented a strong statement themselves as they not just beat but thrashed a poor Saudi Arabia side, smashing five pat them. Denmark and France emerged victorious from their opening group games, games that were complex and tested the two sides’ strengths.

Croatia presented their case for a top spot in Group D with a good win over Nigeria. A side blessed with some fine midfielders, Croatia made it happen without being hassled by the African side. Looking comfortable and emerging as strong contenders from the group.

Germany, to everyone’s surprise, were the weakest European side with their approach and performance in their game against Mexico. England and Belgium won their opening games playing decent football and will present a good challenge going forward.

Every time a World Cup is held in Europe, the European sides are expected to do well and go further into the tournament. The expectations are once again high this time around and given the early performances, the European sides have not disappointed and look most of the sides look good going ahead in the tournament.

#2 A more even competition

Mexico's brilliant performance in the win over Germany.

Prior to every World Cup, there are certain expectations that fans have. It’s more or less the usual. The Bigger teams playing a superior brand of football against the smaller sides and stamping their authority during the group stages.

Making us believe that there are certain teams out there just to make up the numbers at the tournament. The World Cup in Russia so far has not been the regular World Cup in that facet.

The performances and most of the matches so far have had an even look to them. Almost all teams who we’ve had a look so far have looked competitive. There is a good organization and some decent structure about most of the sides, something which has made life tough for the historically giant sides.

Argentina, Germany, Uruguay, and Brazil all have had below-par starts to their tournament, a testament to the level of competition in this FIFA World Cup.

#1 A World Cup of Set pieces

Ronaldo scored an outrageous free-kick to help Portugal get a 3-3 draw against Spain.

Both of England's goals in their 2-1 win over Tunisia were from corners. Two well-used set-pieces, headers from which lead to the two goals. Poland's only goal of their game against Senegal was another well taken set piece finished off by Krychowiak.

The game between Japan and Colombia saw all three goals coming from the set plays; a penalty, a free kick, and a corner.

The no of penalties that are being conceded has also been drastically up and a huge reason for this has been the VAR. Penalties awarded in games involving France-Australia and Denmark-Peru are a testament to this.

VAR has reduced the possibilities for mishaps involving penalty decisions, making certain decisions easier. The no of penalties scored in this edition has already surpassed the number from the 2014 World Cup, which is quite a stat in itself.

Along with the VAR the accuracies have seemingly gone up, keeping the viewers on the edge on set plays and making this World Cup and interesting watch.