Dean Workman

Are you not entertained?

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The Fifa World Cup trophy
  • Post published:June 17, 2018

It may only be day four at the World Cup, but we have already been provided with entertainment of the highest order. DEAN WORKMAN explores.

Right from the onset of the action in Russia, the world stopped and turned its attention to the world’s biggest sporting event: the Fifa World Cup.

It might have taken some longer than others, but the eight opening fixtures provided drama, late goals, stunning strikes, penalties missed and scored and, of course, the introduction of VAR on the world’s biggest stage. If you weren’t invested before, you certainly are now.

Russia kicked things off in perfect style by romping home to a 5-0 win, which included two stunning strikes by Denis Cheryshev and a superb free kick from Aleksandr Golovin – the perfect way to start a month of football.

READ: Germany vs Mexico: Kimmich tips Werner to shine in Russia

The action continued on day two and started with Uruguay snatching a late winner against a Mohamed Salah-less Egypt before a stoppage-time own-goal by Aziz Bouhaddouz gave Iran their first World Cup win since 1998 as they edged Morocco 1-0.

The main show on Friday was undoubtedly the standout clash of match-day one as Portugal came up against Spain. The game had everything imaginable as the two European giants played out to one of the greatest World Cup games.

Cristiano Ronaldo won and scored a penalty to open the scoring before Diego Costa bullied his way past the Portuguese defence to level matters. Then just before half-time, Ronaldo’s strike on goal inexplicably slipped through the hands of David De Gea, an unexpected high-profile error from one of the world’s premium shot-stoppers.

The entertainment continued in the second half as the Spaniards turned the screws and hit the front after Costa equalised and Nacho scored a contender for Goal of the Tournament with a stunning volley.

READ MORE: Brazil vs Switzerland: Tite’s Selecao ready to banish 2014 humiliation

Just as it looked as though Spain would walk away with the three points, Ronaldo stepped up to send a stunning free kick into the top corner to secure a point for his side and bag his first World Cup hat-trick.

Day two and the attention turned to France and Argentina, who had a lot to live up to after the Spain and Portugal showing.

In the first game of the day, France was twice aided by technology. First VAR was called into action making its debut in Russia as Antoine Griezmann was awarded a penalty, which he scored, after consulting the newly implemented system. Then after Mile Jedinack equalised from the spot, Paul Pogba needed the help of goal-line technology to secure the three points.

Following this, all eyes were on Lionel Messi as Argentina took on minnows Iceland. The Barcelona star had a day to forget as he missed a penalty as his side were held to a 1-1 draw by the smallest nation ever to compete in the games.

Later in the day, Denmark provided a smash-and-grab to beat Peru 1-0, who missed a penalty after VAR was called into action for the second time on the day. In the last game of the day, Croatia cruised past Nigeria with a 2-0 win to conclude day three’s action.

READ MORE: Ozil will deliver – Draxler

After the past three days, I would be surprised if there is anyone who has not been captivated by the entertainment.

If this is what lies in store for the remainder of a month, we are in for one wild ride on the emotional rollercoaster that is the Fifa World Cup. Bring it on!