The World Cup So Far: Five Takeaways

Everything is a learning opportunity. The World Cup is no different.

With every team now having laced up their boots at least once, we've seen glimpses of what each of the 48 nations has up their jersey. Naturally, there were some surprises, perhaps even shocks – much of what we knew has been fortified, with many assumptions left in varying degrees of disrepair.

Such is the nature of (especially international) football. So, flowery language aside, what did we learn?

Cabo Verde is a household name

Before this World Cup, many hadn't heard of Cabo Verde, a tiny archipelago some 280 miles off the West African coast. Considering its population of just under 500,000 and understandable lack of influence on the world stage, this is hardly surprising.

But out of those roughly half a million people, one man propelled his nation to stardom – Vozinha. Following a heroic performance, Cabo Verde's goalkeeper held Spain to a staggering 0-0 draw, earning himself 8.5 million followers and the adoration of the island nation.

Not bad for a country most people couldn't find on a map last Tuesday. 

Tuchel knows more than your mate

Thomas Tuchel's team selection raised eyebrows. Many questioned his decision to leave star players like Palmer, Foden and Gibbs-White at home. Some even joked that the German was a double agent sent to destroy whatever lingering chance we had at glory.

Some wise voices urged that the reason for bringing in a pragmatic, impartial manager was that he would select the best players for the system – not because of previous pedigree. The system worked, and England ran out deserved 4-2 winners.

There were some defensive frailties that will need plugging, but so far, it appears Tuchel knows more about international squad selection than Dave on Twitter.

The big players (mostly) wasted no time

Expectations on the world's biggest players are never higher than at the World Cup. Messi, Haaland, Kane, Mbappé and co got straight into it, with multiple goals for each and a stunning hat-trick from the seemingly time-resistant Messi.

While much of the wonder of this sacred competition lies in seeing new talent and fresh faces brighten our screens, nothing would be complete until our favourite heroes and villains got into gear. Thankfully, it only took one game.

Ronaldo is in a spot of bother

Sometimes, watching someone well past their prime is tough. For Ronaldo, it appears the highest level might be beyond him. Perhaps battling it out against Al-Hilal rather than Madrid, Man City or Milan in the Saudi Pro League has blunted his once razor-sharp play.

The issue seems to be the insistence on starting Portugal's all-conquering hero. Off the bench with 20 or 30 minutes to play, he has every chance of making an impact – but the 41-year-old simply doesn't have the legs for a full game.

Sadly, his chokehold on the Portuguese team could keep him playing more than he should, which would be a sorry end to a glittering career.

Despite attempts to ruin it, the World Cup has been a delight

It's no secret this World Cup has been marred by controversy. From astronomical ticket prices to visa scandals, water break abuse and rampant overcommercialisation, there's been plenty to grumble about. Thankfully, the football has been a delight – shocks, twists, turns and a multitude of wonderful goals.

While what happens on the pitch should take centre stage, the greed and incompetence shown by FIFA and U.S. authorities – squeezing commercial gain and political influence out of our beautiful game – have been nothing short of shameful. A reckoning is needed: a complete overhaul of international football governance.

But this is football. We'll grumble, we'll sign the petitions, and then Messi will set the world on fire and we'll forget all about it. Surely the revolution can wait until half-time anyway?