After one week of the World Cup, the article argues that the tournament is already shaping up as one of the most memorable ever. It points to a string of standout individual performances, including Lionel Messi’s hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, Harry Kane’s two goals in England’s emphatic victory over Croatia, Kylian Mbappé’s brace that made him France’s all-time leading scorer, and Erling Haaland’s two goals and assist in Norway’s win over Iraq.
The writer says Messi’s three-goal display may have settled football’s long-running Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, at least for now, while also noting that Ronaldo looked poor in Portugal’s opening game and made his team appear to be playing with 10 men. Spain, meanwhile, dropped points against a lesser opponent, which the piece presents as evidence that a lack of a decisive star can also hurt a team.
The article says the expanded 48-team format has not produced the dull tournament many feared. It notes that the first round featured very few goalless draws, with Spain’s draw being the only 0-0 and the biggest surprise of the opening week. It also says 1-1 was the most common scoreline, which the writer interprets as a sign of unusually high scoring for a major tournament.
The new rules and video review system are described as a success, because they have reduced diving, time-wasting and lengthy throw-in routines, while making officiating feel fairer and more integrated into the game. The piece cites two major VAR-related moments, a possible red card for Messi and Harry Kane’s retaken penalty after his first attempt was saved.
The article concludes that the tournament is already boosting interest in football in the United States, and says that if American fans fully embrace the sport, the World Cup will already be a success after just one week.
