World Cup 2018: 5 superstars who flopped in round one

Round one of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is done and dusted. Russia started off the tournament with a thumping 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the inaugural match of the tournament.

Defending Champions Germany was beaten by a spirited Mexico side on day three while tournament favorites Brazil, Spain, and Argentina drew their corresponding fixtures against Switzerland, Portugal, and Iceland respectively.

Belgium cruised to a 3-0 win over Panama while England needed an injury time goal from Harry Kane to beat Tunisia.

Round two has started and there is absolutely no time for the teams to relax as games come thick and fast.

Some of the big names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Romelu Lukaku, Isco, Philippe Coutinho, Harry Kane, and Diego Costa had a wonderful first outing in the tournament. On the other hand, some superstars failed to live up to expectations and performed poorly.

On that note, let’s take a look at five superstars who flopped in their first game of the FIFA World Cup 2018.

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#5 Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich reminded German fans that he is not Lahm

Joshua Kimmich is one of the best right backs in the world right now. Playing for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, the 23-year-old had an exceptional 2017-18 campaign. He has scored 6 goals for the German Champions and assisted 17 more.

However, his World Cup campaign did not start the way he expected. Kimmich is an aggressive fullback who often plays higher up the pitch to support his attacking players. Though it is a great attribute in a fullback’s game, it has its fair share of risks.

The reason why Lahm excelled for Germany in that role is because of his decision-making abilities. He knows when to attack and when to sit back and defend. Kimmich was lively against Mexico, but that has cost them a decisive goal.

He left a lot of space behind him on the left and Mexico capitalized on it in the 35th minute. Lozano picked up a pass from Chicharito and burst into the vacant left side of the pitch to score the only goal of the game.

All stats via transfermarkt

#4 David De Gea

De Gea let one slip through his hands

The game between the 2010 World Cup winners Spain and the 2016 European Champions Portugal is easily the best game so far in the 2018 World Cup. The game produced some scintillating football throughout the 90 minutes and it finally ended 3-3.

David Gea is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. The Spanish shot-stopper is regarded highly for his consistency and exceptional ability between the sticks. However, it took everyone by surprise when he made a school-boy error against Portugal in their first game of the tournament.

He allowed a tame Cristiano Ronaldo effort to slip through his fingers and into the back of the net. Though Spain drew the game 3-3, De Gea’s mistake did not go well amongst the Spanish fans, and many of them want him to be replaced for the next game.

#3 Luis Suarez

Suarez was dreadful against Egypt

It was a game to forget for Luis Suarez. The Barcelona striker’s World Cup campaign got off to a really poor start, despite Uruguay defeating Egypt in their opening fixture of the tournament. Uruguay needed a late header from Jose Gimenez to beat a Salah-less Egypt 1-0.

Luis Suarez was a frustrated figure throughout the game. Despite some good chances to open the scoring for his team, he squandered all the opportunities. He lacked power, precision, and was too slow on the ball. He gave away the ball far too cheaply and looked a tired player.

This was Suarez’s 96th appearance for Uruguay and arguably one of his worst performances for the national team. It looks like a long season at the Camp Nou has taken a huge toll on the Uruguayan.

#2 Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil deserves to be dropped

To many he is not a surprise inclusion on this list. Mesut Ozil wasn't in great form for Arsenal for much of the 2017-18 campaign. However, he has done well for his national team in the qualifiers and Joachim Low believed in his abilities.

In the end, it turned out to be a poor decision from Low to include Ozil in the starting XI. Though Ozil played the entire 90 minutes against Mexico, he could not create anything meaningful. He lacked the athleticism and pace to break a resolute Mexican defense.

Though he was good with the passing, he was really ineffective when Germany was not in possession of the ball. Also, he struggled with the defensive aspects of his game and allowed Lozano to go past him easily to score.

The 29-year-old's struggles were clearly evident and Low cannot afford to make the same mistake again.

#1 Lionel Messi

Messi missed a penalty against Iceland

This does not happen often. Deployed behind Sergio Aguero in a 4-4-1-1 formation, Lionel Messi could not inspire Albiceleste to a win against the low ranked Icelandic side in their opening fixture at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Though the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was not bad against Iceland, he failed to deliver the goods when it mattered the most. Sergio Aguero’s goal was canceled out by Finnbogason and the game remained 1-1 at halftime.

Argentina struggled to break the stubborn Icelandic defense in the second half, but an opportunity presented itself in the 64th minute when Maximiliano Meza was tripped inside the box.

The Barcelona star stepped up to take the penalty, but Halldórsson blocked it with ease. Argentina never recovered from the incident and the game ended 1-1.