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The biggest sporting spectacle in the world has kicked-off. 32 Nations. 736 Players. 64 Matches. 1 Dream - to be crowned World Champions. Which team will conquer the world - Will the defending champions Germany become the first team to retain the title in 56 years and win a record-equalling 5th title? Or the record 5 time champions Brazil win a record-extending 6th title? Or France with the arguably most talented squad in the tournament end their 20-year wait? Or the formidable 2010 champions Spain regain their glory and win a 2nd title? Or Argentina with their deadly attack end their 32-year long wait for a world title? Or Belgium with a brilliant set of players defy the odds to win it? Or will one of the dark horses like England or Portugal pull off an upset?
The opening match of the group stages has come to an end. So let us look back at how the contenders for the tournament have fared during their opening game to give us an insight of where they should improve.
Spain - Group B
The 2010 World Champions started their campaign with a 3-3 draw against Portugal. Without any doubt, it was the most exciting match of the World Cup so far. Spain was certainly excellent in attack against a solid Portuguese side. Diego Costa showed why he can lead the line for Spain with 2 goals, both were very well taken by the Atletico Madrid striker. Nacho later redeemed himself with a stunning half-volley but the build-up to the goal was what makes you watch it over and over again as it looked like the Spain team of the past when they use to carve the opposition open with their passing.
The defense is still a concern though. Exposed brutally by the Dutch and Chile last time around, they were a bit better this time but they were caught on the counter a few times by Portugal. Fortunately, they didn't score and it kept Spain in the game. The fumble by De Gea raised a few eyebrows as expected but he'll certainly regain his confidence and be back to his best. Azpilicueta would certainly be a much solid option ahead of Nacho at right-back as he is a very reliable defender. Let's see what new coach Fernando Hierro comes up within their next game against Iran.
Performance Rating - 7/10
Portugal - Group B
The Portuguese are more of dark horses than contenders but ruling out the defending European Champions from the contender's list is not a wise idea. Just like the vast majority of the last decade, Cristiano Ronaldo carried the team during their opening game against Spain. A brilliant hat-trick to kick-start his campaign on a high. The free kick was the icing on the cake no doubt. Guedes showed signs of promise as he was always ready to run at the Spanish defense on the counter. Silva is most likely to start the next game against Morocco so Ronaldo will have more support in attack.
The defense which looked solid throughout the knockout stages of the European Championships and their qualifying campaign looked a bit out of sorts in their opening game. Certainly, they have room for improvement in that area and expect them to stifle the opposition in their next game against Morocco.
Performance Rating - 6/10
France - Group C
Arguably the most talented and exciting side in this year's tournament didn't look at their best. They struggled to create chances against the Aussies. Full credit to Australia for being resilient but you would expect a team like France to create more chances and score more goals with the array of attacking options they have got. Griezmann, Mbappe, Pogba and Dembele can be a handful for any defense on their day and that is something they have to work on.
The defense wasn't much tested apart from the mistake Umtiti committed. Varane and Umtiti are certainly capable of leading the defense. Their full-backs though are young and inexperienced and that could be a worry for them but expect them to continue to support the attack against Peru in their next game.
Performance Rating - 6/10
Argentina - Group D
With such a wealth of attacking options, finding the right balance is always difficult. After struggling during qualification and qualifying by winning the last game of their campaign the pressure was on the Messi and his men to deliver against the fan favorites Iceland. Maybe to find the right balance Jorge Sampaoli decided to start with a 4-4-1-1 with Messi, Aguero and Di Maria starting as Dybala and Higuain were on the bench. Despite all the chances they created they managed to find the back of the net just once against Halldorsson who also saved a penalty from Messi just after the hour mark. A player of Messi's caliber is certain to shrug it off and be back to his best but overall their attack certainly has to be more efficient.
It was a huge surprise that Sampaoli decided not to use Dybala as a sub and bring on Higuain with just 6 minutes left to play. With the attacking talent he had at his disposal he was expected to throw everything against Iceland's defense but for some reason, he chose against it. Maybe he was protecting his defense knowing they are not among the best in the world but with Otamendi, Mascherano, and Rojo in the team it was a gamble worth taking. They will certainly face a tough test against Croatia with Modric, Rakitic and Perisic looking good in their opening game. Mandzukic will have to be closely watched by Otamendi as he is dangerous in the air.
Performance Rating - 4/10
Brazil - Group E
The record 5-time World Champions didn't have the start they wanted to their campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the Swiss. A trademark Coutinho goal gave them the lead but failed to test Sommer after that. Their star player Neymar wasn't at his best. Maybe the injury which ended his season is still hindering his game. Jesus was also not at his best. Both need to step up in their next game against Costa Rica.
The defense was stretched quite a number of times by the Swiss which was expected as 3 of the 4 players are aged above 30. The fact that Miranda left Zuber unmarked from the corner which resulted in the goal is a cause for concern from an experienced defender like him.
Performance Rating - 5/10
Germany - Group F
The defending World Champions 1-0 defeat against Mexico was the biggest surprise so far. Full credit to Mexico for attacking relentlessly during the first half and standing firm when Germany threw everything they had against them at the end but very few would have expected the Germans to struggle albeit not score in their opening game. Certainly, a cause to worry about for Joachin Loew.
3 of the last 4 defending champions namely France in 2002, Italy in 2010 and Spain in 2014 failed to make it to the round of 16. Bad omen for Germany but expect the 4-time champions to come back strongly in their next game against Sweden. The likes of Muller, Kroos, and Ozil will step up and lead the team to a much-needed win.
Performance Rating - 3/10
Belgium - Group G
Yet another team with exciting talent. They have certainly grown in the last 4 years. It showed yesterday as, after a frustrating first half against Panama, 2 minutes into the 2nd half an absolute stunner from Mertens gave them the lead. It shows all they need is a moment of magic. A routine win followed as De Bruyne and Hazard set up Lukaku to score 2 more to ensure a comfortable 3-0 win. The only team to win, score and keep a clean sheet among the contenders during their opening game.
They weren't spectacular in defense but were solid enough considering the absence of Kompany due to an injury. Once he returns it is set to become much more solid and with Courtois, in goal, they certainly have a team which can go all the way if they can handle the pressure in the latter stages of the tournament. Expect them to deliver a similar performance in the next game against Tunisia.
Performance Rating - 7/10
England - Group G
The Three Lions started off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Tunisia. Certainly, a much better start compared to 4 years ago when they lost their opening game against Italy. It wasn't a comfortable win though as their star man and captain scored right at the death to clinch them the win. As usual, England had a team with young and exciting talent but the way Gareth Southgate started them was quite a surprise. A 3 man defense comprising of Stones, Maguire, and Walker is certainly not the most reliable one. When you have Jones, Cahill, and Dier on the bench who are more used to playing in the formation and much more experienced, it would be a better choice to use them. If Walker played as the right-wing back, he would be a huge threat on the flank with his pace ahead of Trippier. The way Walker fouled Ben Youssef showed why center back is not his ideal position.
In attack too there was a surprise as Sterling started up front with Kane. Vardy is more suited to that position with his pace, work rate, and finishing attributes. Sterling is more suited to playing behind them. The players around Kane need to be more efficient with their finishing as Sterling, Lingard, and Alli squandered quite a number of chances. That's where Vardy can deliver if he gets the nod to start. Let's see if England continue their run against Tunisia.
Performance Rating - 7/10
