World Cup 2018: 5 things we learned from the first round of matches

#1 Mixed fortunes for the leading lights

CR7 has lit up the tournament

The conversation going into the World Cup was about the star men and how they would perform with Messi and Ronaldo inevitably at the centre of these discussions.

As has become his usual style, the Portuguese captain responded with a majestic performance against Iberian neighbours, Spain getting a hattrick and following it up with a goal against Moro

Messi, on the other hand, was very disappointing against Iceland with his missed penalty the biggest highlight of a game that saw him playing a lot of wayward shots and being unable to affect the game. Both players will have to be at their very best in subsequent matches if their teams are to go deep into the tournament.

Neymar has been another star who had a disappointing first encounter as his excessive showboating did not add value to Brazil in its draw against Switzerland. With reports that he might miss out on the next game against Costa Rica due to injury, his teammates may have to step up in their talisman's absence.

Others like Kane (England), Eden Hazard (Belgium) among others have been impressive as well and the competition for the Golden Ball (for the tournament's best player) promises to be a closely-fought one.