The World Cup kick-started on the 20th of November 2022. And it has been five days since the mega event took place. In this gap, we have seen some of the best players score magnificent goals and get things going for the better. 

We have also seen some shock defeats which surely came as a surprise to the footballing world. So what has happened? And what is the world talking about? Well, if you haven’t caught hold of the action, here’s all that you missed out on. 

Messi and Ronaldo score through penalties 

Throughout their careers, comparisons, and analysis of their individual games have always taken place. While fan groups have their side of the story, here’s something that they did in common.

Both Messi and Ronaldo scored from the spot and they did so in a thrilling manner. While getting on the scoresheet isn’t something new for them, doing so, again and again tells you about their advancing age and why it doesn't mean anything. 

While Messi scored against Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo did so against Ghana and both were the first ones to open the scoring sheet. Soon after scoring, they followed the same with their usual style of celebration except for the fact that Ronaldo’s had a difference. 

There seemed to be a banner of Messi placed around the corner, which significantly brought Ronaldo and Messi together while the former was doing his trademark celebration. 

It was a footballing moment that the world saw and immediately captured. 

Ronaldo, once again, creates history 

There’s a lot that can be told about Ronaldo’s game and all the news that is surrounding him and his former club, Manchester United. But the thing that one cannot take away from the legend is his records and the fact that he is bound to create history. 

Having scored in the win against Ghana, Ronaldo emerged as the first player in history to score at five different World Cups. That is a feat hard to reach and if anyone is trying, well, good luck. 

While Messi did score and line up his name alongside his biggest rival, Ronaldo went ahead again after playing against Ghana. So the competition is real and the rivalry is back. 

However, what the world wants to see is for Portugal and Argentina to qualify and give us a final that we had all hoped for. If that happens, then the 2022 World Cup will wind up in style. 

Shock defeats that couldn’t be scripted 

Apart from the fact that the World Cup is coming with all the grandeur, it also brought in some shock defeats. We got to see some favourites get misplaced by underdogs in a manner that nobody predicted. So to break them down, let’s start with Saudi beating Argentina.

a. Saudi Arabia takes on Argentina (2-1)

Who would have thought that Saudi Arabia had it in them to upset one of the best teams in the world? Powered by the tactics of Hervé Renard, Saudi Arabia went on to complete the game in the best manner.

From high press to a high defensive line, Saudi Arabia had all the tactics that were required to beat one of the best teams in the world. They forced Argentina into situations that nobody even thought was possible. 

It all went haywire from the second half because that was when Saudi Arabia got into the game and decided to end things for good. The Argentine defence got something that they didn’t expect and thanks to poor defending, they lost the game. 

Messi was left dejected, although he requested the fans to have faith. On the other hand, it was celebration mode for the Saudis since they achieved the unachievable. The next day, the government declared a national holiday and even gifts were promised for all members of the Saudi Arabian team. 

b. Japan takes on Germany (2-1)

In another major upset, we saw Japan beat Germany and add to the list of shock defeats. With this, the World Cup is signalling that nobody is safe and that the surprise game of football will be the one to have the last word. 

Despite Germany having all possession, Japan beat them through a counter attacking plan that worked like a charm. Be it Rudiger or anyone who stood in defence, Japan decided to call the shots and create history. 

With this major defeat, the chances of Germany emerging as group winners has surely gone down the pipeline. Experts or pundits don’t expect them to come out on top, although no one has ruled them out of the competition yet. 

The way ahead is surely going to be a tough one but for now, we would like to shift the focus towards another topic. The topic of discipline and culture that a few showcased as Japanese fans stayed back to clean the stadium. 

So a shootout is indeed the right way to move forward and appreciate the efforts that need to be appreciated. 

Spain have it all 

The 7-nil victory against Costa Rica highlighted more of what Spain has in their backyard than Costa Rica’s weak defence. The young and dynamic squad that Lius Enrique picked seemed to be doing wonders. 

The head coach not only went with the young brigade but also added a few senior faces in order to make a mix. However, it’s the young guns that rule the trade and they are surely off to a good start. 

Their game against Costa Rica, at least after a while, seemed like a training exercise. It was too easy to break the opponent’s defence and with pace by their side, goals were bound to be by their side. 

The process went ahead like cakewalk and Enrique even had the luxury of making changes and ensuring that everyone got a piece of the action. While he was heavily criticised for leaving out Ramos and Thiago, the head coach proved all the critics wrong because all of his players made their mark at the 2022 World Cup. 

So what next? Can they go ahead and move into the final of the World Cup? If experts are to be believed they surely can and might even do it. So let’s wait and watch how things fold out and if you are a Spain supporter, we hope you get what you want. 

Qatar don’t have it all 

Amidst the controversies surrounding Qatar and the nation being given hosting duties, the attention immediately turned towards their national team. And that is a spotlight the team wishes to escape. 

In their first game against Ecuador, we saw why Qatar don’t have what it takes to be in the World Cup. From inaccurate passing to a mode of play that suits no one, Qatar put up a performance that you can forget about. 

While they certainly improved their game against Senegal, it all went in a similar direction as they faced defeat. So in all likelihood, Qatar will be out of the World Cup in a matter of time. 

France are ready to defend their title 

With the squad that France have at their disposal, one can always expect them to go the distance and they did so against Australia. Having scored 4 goals, France showed what it is to have the likes of Mbappe, Giroud, Dembele and more in their squad. 

Despite coming to the tournament with a new midfield, France aren’t showing any signs of slowing down because their midfield has already picked up the pace and all that was needed to represent France. 

With Benzema ruled out of the World Cup, Giroud has stepped in to provide cover and help his team advance and keep on advancing. 

Nobody forget England 

If you forget about England, well, don’t think about them now. Putting 6 goals past Iran was no easy feat and they are only expected to do more damage in the coming days. The likes of Harry Kane, Sterling and more are expected to continue their firing form and do more for their country. 

With their next game up against England, the expectations around the game are sky high even though the predictions lie on the side of England. USA, which drew against Wales, have some good attacking talent but the way ahead seems difficult. 

So the question at the moment is how will England proceed forward. While they are expected to emerge as group winners, how will they line up against the big guns? Since this is the World Cup, you have the likes of Spain, Portugal, Brazil and more, ready to inflict all kinds of damage. 

So keep an eye out for England. 

Brazil have arrived for the party

One of the best things about the World Cup is the fact that there are bound to be a dozen teams that reek of talent and can win games. And nobody requires an explanation as to how Brazil fits into this list. 

They have a large pool of talent to choose from and those players gave their best against Serbia. Two goals from Richarlson, including a screamer, were all that was needed to end Serbia’s hope of beating the five-time world champions.

However, the news that broke all circles was Neymar getting injured. The last thing the footballing world and Brazil in particular want is for one of the best footballers to get injured during the biggest sporting event of all time.

While he is set to miss out the next game for Brazil, he is yet to be ruled out of the tournament. So there’s some hope and that is something we need to rely on.