FourFourTwoSA selects the World Cup team of round one as Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick while both Harry Kane and Diego Costa scored braces, writes DEAN WORKMAN.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Hannes Halldorsson (Iceland)
He may have conceded an early Sergio Aguero goal but Halldorsson put in the performance of his career to earn his side a point against Argentina. The goalkeeper, a film director when the gloves are off, saved a Lionel Messi penalty and pulled off a number of top-class saves, which earned him the Man of the Match award.
Right back: Kieran Trippier (England)
The Tottenham Hotspur man just edged out Nacho for this spot, who deserves a notable mention for that humdinger against Portugal alone, but he also gave away a penalty, handing the spot to the Englishman. Trippier was making his debut in a major tournament and put in an assured performance. He proved to be a constant threat, driving forward down the flank and delivering the sort of teasing crosses Spurs fans have come to expect. The 27-year-old also delivered the corner that resulted in Harry Kane’s winning goal, and with six key passes in total, he created more shooting opportunities than any other player in the first round of World Cup matches.
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Centre back: Diego Godin (Uruguay)
The Atletico Madrid man’s partner at the back, Jose Gimenez, may have stolen the headlines with a stoppage-time winner against Egypt, but it was Godin who really stood out. The veteran defender was vital in organising and motivating his side to a much-needed win, while also stifling any attacking threat provided by Egypt.
Centre back: Andreas Granqvist (Sweden)
The Swedish captain was at the heart of his side’s 1-0 win over South Korea in the first round. Not only was he solid at the back, dealing with any threat with composure, but he also took on the pressure to slot home a penalty after VAR came to Sweden’s aid.
Left back: Aleksandar Kolarov (Serbia)
The experienced Serbian defender put in a standout performance to guide his team to a tight 1-0 win over Costa Rica. The former Manchester City man was solid in defence, and looked threatening on the attack as he expertly marshalled the left flank throughout. Kolarov’s crowning moment, however, came when he stepped up to send a free kick into the top corner to win the points for his team.
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Right midfield: Aleksandr Golovin (Russia)
The midfielder’s performance will live long in the memory as he starred in the hosts’ opening 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia. The CSKA Moscow man provided an assist for the opening and third goals before slotting a stoppage-time free kick to cap off a memorable day for Russian football.
Centre midfield: Hector Herrera (Mexico)
The dynamic midfielder made his mark on the biggest stage against the world champions as he helped Mexico to a 1-0 win over Germany. The Porto man dominated the midfield battle, keeping Toni Kroos on a tight leash. Herrera produced a phenomenal eight tackles – more than any other player in the opening matches.
Left midfield: Hirving Lozano (Mexico)
A pre-World Cup pick as one of the players to watch out for, Lozano announced himself on the world stage by scoring the goal that downed reigning champions Germany. The PSV wing was a constant threat on the counter-attack and that’s where he made his mark, keeping his composure to round off a devastating move which ultimately handed his side the points.
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Right forward: Diego Costa (Spain)
The Spanish striker was his usual self as he bullied and harried the Portuguese defence, scoring two goals in his side’s 3-3 draw with the European champions. After Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the spot, Costa responded by using his strength to brush off Pepe and then kept his composure to produce an assured finish to score the equaliser. Costa cancelled out Ronaldo’s second goal as he was in the right place to tap home a cross. Even without his goals, Costa proved a constant menace for the European champions.
Centre forward: Harry Kane (England)
England’s captain and star player produced a performance of the highest order to score both goals in his side’s 2-1 win over Tunisia. Kane opened the scoring in the first half but after Tunisia were awarded a penalty – which they scored – England looked to be heading to yet another disappointing World Cup result. That was until Kane ghosted in at the back post to head home following Harry Maguire’s flick from a corner, to win the points for the Three Lions.
Left forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The Real Madrid star scored his 51st career hat-trick as he helped his side to a 3-3 draw against rivals Spain in a World Cup thriller. Ronaldo opened the scoring after he won an early penalty, which he calmly slotted. He then gave his side the lead again just before the break as his tame shot slipped past David De Gea. Spain fought back in the second half and after scoring twice, it looked as though the 2010 World Cup winners would take the game. Portugal were then handed a lifeline when Ronaldo was fouled just outside the box with seconds left. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up to send his shot into the top corner and earn his side a point, which will further cement his status as one of the all-time greats.