Ronaldo, Kane, Costa headline WC Team of the Round

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.

Senegal prove that self-belief is everything

Led by the youngest and only black coach at the tournament, Senegal became the first African nation to secure victory at the 2018 World Cup – a feat which should be celebrated, re-told and revered, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Senegal edge Poland

Senegal upset Poland with a 2-1 Group H victory in Moscow that owed plenty to poor mistakes from the European nation.

Watch: Sanchez sees red as Japan beat Colombia

Carlos Sanchez was sent off in the third minute for Colombia as they suffered a 2-1 loss to Japan in their Group H World Cup encounter on Tuesday afternoon.

Japan beat ten-men Colombia

Carlos Sanchez was shown the second-fastest red card in World Cup history as Colombia slipped to a 2-1 defeat in their World Cup opener against Japan in Mordovia.

Alli to have scan on thigh knock

England midfielder Dele Alli will undergo a precautionary scan after sustaining a thigh injury during England’s 2-1 World Cup Group G win over Tunisia.

Watch: Granqvist penalty secures win for Sweden

Sweden needed a second-half penalty, given after a VAR consultation, to edge past South Korea and move joint top of Group F.

Brazil the latest favourites to stumble, but Tite and Neymar won’t panic

Tite’s Brazil team were forced to settle for a point against Switzerland, but the Selecao remain justifiable World Cup favourites.

Let’s get carried away with Russia 2018

After watching the opening ceremony and the goal fest between Russia and Saudia Arabia, the World Cup fever has hit me too, writes WADE PRETORIUS.

Russia 2018: It will not be the same

The World Cup is about soccer. Yes, that’s obvious, but it’s about soccer wider and deeper in the communities in which you find yourself, writes WADE PRETORIOUS.