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The 2018 FIFA World Cup is underway and has already given fans some breath-taking moments. Going into the match-day four, very little could surprise fans. Ideally, some tournaments like the Euro 2016 took a while before we saw explosive football.
As a supporter, it was frustrating to watch draw after draw. However this World Cup has proven to be a blockbuster even though it is still early days in the tournament.
After Russia's opening day drubbing of Saudi Arabia, we were treated to an enthralling 3-3 draw by two of the favourites to win the World Cup.
The end to end action between Spain and Portugal on Friday is a testament that the rest of this tourney will be nothing short of electrifying.
#3 Anything can happen
This World Cup is an epitome of all that is said about football possibilities. So far we have seen it all. Almost every match played has resulted in late goals and winners.
On Friday Spain looked unfazed when they tackled Portugal, given that their former coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked just 48 hours to kick off.
Spain ended up dominating the match in a manner that could only result in goals, goals and more goals. 'La Roja' came back twice in this match to lead 3-2. With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Portugal were given a free-kick in Cristiano Ronaldo territory.
Ronaldo has traditionally used power and brute force when taking free-kicks. This time around, the Real Madrid superstar opted for placement and curled the ball around the towering Spanish wall for the dramatic late equaliser.
Russia came into this tournament on the back drop of very poor form. Since 2016, Russia has lost seven of their eleven matches. There was a wave of uncertainty until they whitewashed Saudi Arabia 5-0 to record one of the biggest opening day victories in World Cup history.
#2 Video technology is the way to go
When FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced earlier this year that video technology would be used at the World Cup, it drew mixed reactions from various quarters.
Some saw it as a way to eliminate human errors made by referees. Others argued that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) would reduce the quality of football due to the constant stoppages.
However, the technology has proven to be an asset so far in match officiating. The VAR system has correctly overruled earlier decisions by the referee or given them a crystal clear look on incidents they might have missed.
For example, in France's hard-fought 2-1 win over Australia, the referee had waved play on before reviewing a 58th minute incident featuring Antoine Griezmann.
He was brought down in the box by Josh Risdon. A penalty was duly given to the French which resulted in the match's opening goal.
#1 De Gea and Messi are human
Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea is regarded as the best in the world at the moment. He has been Manchester United's best player for four of the last five seasons. De Gea has been known for making cat-like reflex saves and being the last line of defence when the team is exposed.
On June 15, he gifted Portugal their second goal just before half time. Ronaldo hit a left-footed shot from outside box that seemed to be a routine save for any regular goalkeeper let alone an elite one like De Gea. He somehow failed to catch the ball as it slithered past him and into the net.
On Saturday, giants Argentina faced minnows Iceland in their opening group match. It was expected that they would make light work of the debutantes. Indeed the South Americans bossed possession and had more shots on goal but were held to a 1-1 draw.
In that match, Argentina was presented with a 64th minute penalty. In past history, Argentina had only missed three penalties at a World Cup.
Lionel Messi who inspired his nation in qualification, missed the penalty as the scores remained level. In fact, he had a whopping 10 attempts at goal but could not find a breakthrough. On any other day, Messi requires no second invitation to find the target.
