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Senegal's 2-1 victory against Poland saw the end of the first round of the group stages and we have seen a lot already. Upsets, surprises, hat-tricks, goals, red card and what not. The 2018 World Cup is off to an awesome start and still a lot more is to come.
The first round was an upsetting one for many of the big fishes like Brazil, Germany, Spain, Argentina, etc as they all failed to win their opening matches. On the other hand some unexpected heroes rose for the smaller teams.
Many top players failed to perform up to their standards in the first round and it were the less expected players who stole the show. Here are top 5 players in the World Cup so far:
#5 Valon Behrami
Brazil is one of the favourites to win the tournament, but the Selecao were held down to a draw in their first game by Switzerland. A signature Philippe Coutinho goal gave Brazil the lead in the first half, but the opponents equalised through Steven Zuber just after the start of the second half.
Even though all eyes were on players like Neymar, Coutinho, Gabriel Jesus, Xherdan Shaqiri, etc it was Switzerland's Valon Behrami who was decisive in the match. The 33-year-old was given the task of marking Neymar and he did a wonderful job.
The most expensive player in the world became the most fouled World Cup player after he was brought down by the Swiss Army 10 times. However, that stat should not make one believe that Behrami had to resort to just fouls to keep Neymar at bay.
The Udinese player made two interceptions, won six tackles, won all his take-ons and aerial duels. Behrami was substituted in the 71st minute of the match as he had been booked in the match.
However, it was Behrami's performance that saw Switzerland keep Brazil's most dangerous player silent and deservedly win one point from the game.
#4 Kieran Trippier
When many of the big sides failed to win their opening games, England managed to clinch three points against Tunisia after captain Harry Kane scored the winner in the 91st minute of the game.
While all the praise went to Kane for his match-winning brace, there were two players from the Three Lions line-up that did a great job for their team. It was Jordan Henderson and Kieran Trippier.
Henderson, who is often criticised by his own fans, proved many wrong by putting in a proper midfielder's shift. Trippier, on the other hand, bossed it for England.
The 27-year-old created a total of six chances in the game, making him the most creative player in the World Cup so far. It was the Tottenham right-back's corner that resulted in Kane's match winner as well.
Trippier made three successful dribbles in the game. Add to that one successful tackle, shot and clearance each. Without any doubt, the former Burnley player was one of the best performances for England against Tunisia.
Skipper Kane deserves credit as well. The prolific striker's eye for goals was rewarded with two goals that won the match for his team. The 24-year-old is up there with Trippier as one of the best players of the first round.
#3 Hannes Thor Halldorsson
Argentina was tied down to a 1-1 draw by World Cup debutants Iceland. Sergio Aguero gave La Albiceleste the lead 19 minutes into the game, but the opposition equalised within just four minutes.
Lionel Messi had the opportunity to take back the lead for his side through a penalty, but the Barcelona number ten failed to convert from the spot. And Iceland's goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson, who saved the penalty, became the hero for his side.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper saving Messi's penalty was a crucial moment in the game. However, that was not the only contribution Hannes made for his team. The part-time filmmaker made a total of six saves and two clearances in the match. It was nothing short of a man of the match performance and the player deserves credit.
Hannes will be key for Iceland's upcoming group stage fixtures against Croatia and Nigeria. With the team earning one point in their first game against Argentina they have increased their hopes to qualify to the round-of-16 of the competition.
And don't miss this Coca-Cola commercial directed by Hannes himself!
#2 Hirving Lozano
One of the biggest upsets of the World Cup so far must be Mexico convincingly defeating the defending champions Germany. The European giants had been labelled as one of the early favourites but failed to turn up against a perseverant Mexico side.
The only goal of the match was scored by PSV winger Hirving Lozano. The 22-year-old is one of the best talents on show at the World Cup and he proved it against the Germans.
Apart from the goal, Lozano made three key passes and four successful dribbles. The youngster made some important defensive contributions as well, winning all of this three tackles and making two interceptions.
Lozano will be key for El Tri going forward into the tournament and more can be expected from him.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo. He doesn't need stats to prove why he is the best. Just look at that 88th minute free-kick goal to equalise against Spain. That itself is worthy of a man of the match award.
Even though Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, not many would have expected the 33-year-old to score a hat-trick against a team like Spain, who has arguably the best defence in the World Cup. But he did and that's what makes him what he is today.
The Real Madrid attacked could score more in the upcoming fixtures and be well on the way to his sixth Ballon d'Or award. Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the World Cup after the first round and could remain as the best as the tournament progresses.
