From superstars yet to find form, to highly-rated youngsters struggling to step up at the World Cup: they all feature on this list of the early flops of Russia 2018.

Part 1 of this feature will look at number 6 to number 1:

6 William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)

Nigeria centre back Troost-Ekong stood out for the Super Eagles in their World Cup opener against Croatia – for all the wrong reasons. The Netherlands-born Bursaspor defender frequently gave the ball away, undoing much of the good work from Nigeria’s double pivot of Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo ahead of him.

With matches against Iceland and Argentina to come, Nigeria still have a chance of making the knockout stages, but their hopes of making an impact at the tournament took a hit with the 2-0 defeat to Croatia – mostly because of the manner of it. A huge improvement is required for a young, talented side to progress.

READ: Sampaoli has let Argentina down

5 Angel Di Maria (Argentina)

When Argentina struggle, it’s Lionel Messi who gets the majority of the criticism – something that persisted even when the Barcelona man was awarded the Player of the Tournament prize in Brazil four years ago.

Messi actually played quite well against Iceland, penalty aside, but wasn’t helped by PSG winger Di Maria, whose place in the side must surely be under serious consideration by boss Jorge Sampaoli.

Argentina followed up their 1-1 draw with Iceland with a shocking 3-0 loss to Croatia, where Di Maria had to settle for a spot on the bench. With one game left Argentina will be hoping that result will go their way or they face a first group stage exit since 2002.

READ MORE: Messi could retire after World Cup, says Zabaleta

4 Christian Cueva (Peru)

Thirty-six years since they last qualified for a World Cup, Peru headed to Russia full of expectation with the unyielding support of a nation. They sold the sixth-highest amount of tickets, with one genius supporter reportedly putting on a couple of stone to qualify for a disabled ticket after missing out in the draw.

Los Incas had a decent chance of making the knockout stages too, having been drawn alongside France, Denmark and Australia, and with their legendary forward Paolo Guerrero cleared to play following a doping ban. But it was imperative that they got off to a strong start against a Denmark side that many expected them to be in direct competition with for second place.

Sadly for Peru and the neutrals seduced by their passionate supporters, it didn’t go well. Cueva won a penalty in first-half stoppage time – then skied it. Peru lost 1-0.

3 Aziz Bouhaddouz (Morocco)

With 13 minutes remaining in Morocco’s opening match against the weakest team in the group, boss Hervé Renard looked to St Pauli striker Bouhaddouz to change the game in the Atlas Lions’ favour.

With Portugal and Spain to come, Renard knew a draw against Iran wasn’t good enough, so he tried to force the issue by bringing on Bouhaddouz for one last push. But he wasn’t anticipating his substitute heading a 95th-minute free-kick beyond his own goalkeeper and handing all three points to Iran.

The striker wasn’t trusted off the bench in Morocco’s second game as they toiled against Portugal, drawing another blank and ensuring an early exit from Russia 2018.

READ: Argentina squad ‘clouds’ Messi’s brilliance, claims Sampaoli

2 Nikola Kalinic (Croatia)

Croatian striker Kalinic makes the list without even kicking a ball. After he’d reportedly refused to come off the bench in the victory over Nigeria citing a back injury, Zlatko Dalic sent the AC Milan striker home from the biggest show on earth.

‘The same thing happened during the Brazil friendly in England, as well as before the practice session on Sunday,’ Dalic reasoned. ‘I have calmly accepted that and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision.’

Kalinic probably wishes he’d grimaced through now, but the 30-year-old may well have prematurely ended his international career after picking up just 41 caps and scoring 15 goals – including three in qualification for the World Cup. At least while Dalic is around.

1 Carlos Sanchez (Colombia)

There really isn’t a great deal to say about Sanchez’s performance in Colombia’s opener against Japan. It lasted three minutes, led to the opening goal for Japan and put an end to Colombia’s tactical plan for the match – Juan Cuadrado was replaced on the half-hour mark as Jose Pekerman looked to limit the damage.

Reflex reaction or not, Sanchez’s best Luis Suarez impression surely cost his country a result in their opening match against the weakest team in the group. It leaves Colombia in a difficult position with Senegal and Poland to come.

Read Part 1: The 13 most disappointing players of the World Cup so far part 1