The opening weekend of the 2018 FIFA World Cup has been nothing but breathtaking with brilliant goals, great individuals displays and powerful team performances taking the cake.

The icing on this World Cup cake has definitely been the superstars of world football showing their skills for country on the biggest stage. Portugal’s megastar and world best, Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction and CR7 stamped his authority on the World Cup against neighbours, Spain, in a pulsating Group B encounter on Friday night which ended 3-3. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and saved his team from defeat with a brilliant free-kick in the 86^th minute, when his country needed him the most.

This showcased that Ronaldo is much a team man as he is an individual highlight. Portugal with Ronaldo on top form will definitely be one of the dark horses this tournament. Another big name player who has excelled is France midfielder, Paul Pogba who scored the winner for his side in their 2-1 victory against Australia.

Pogba also scored when it mattered most and showcased his nation’s ability to come through in big games.

Some superstar players though have faltered under the bright lights of the World Cup, as their reputation has been more of a burden then an inspiration. Lionel Messi of Argentina, Neymar of Brazil and to a lesser extent the German national team, has shown that big names do not automatically equal success – you still need to work and play the best football at this World Cup.

It is inevitable that one of the big sides will exit the World Cup at an early stage and if the respective superstar players do not shape up, then they might be booking plane tickets much earlier than expected. The second round of fixtures will be crucial in determining if these players will step up or falter with heaps of expectation on their shoulders.

The World Cup truly brings the best or worse out of any players – this is where BMT kicks in at its most glorious.